The high cost of living in Australia means that many families, individuals, and the elderly are either struggling with poverty or on the brink of experiencing significant lack of access to basic daily needs. These needs include but are not limited to the lack of clothing, healthy food, education, shelter, medical care, and safety. For one of the wealthiest countries in the world, ranked 19 globally with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1.742 trillion in 2023,[1] Australia has over 3.32 million people (13.4% of the population) living below the poverty line, including 761,000 children.[2]
This past Sunday marked the beginning of Anti-Poverty week (13th – 19th Oct), where awareness is raised on eradicating poverty as a social and economic issue affecting the vulnerable and poor in Australia.
Catholic Social Teaching highlights the innate dignity of every person and declares that all lives are sacred because each human has been created in the image of God, serving as a reminder that no woman, man, or child should live in a way that strips them of their dignity.
Yet, many children in Australia are going to bed or school hungry, with the impacts of poverty going beyond basic needs to affecting childhood development when children are deprived of socialization with friends, extra-curricular activities, healthy meals with adequate fruit and vegetables, support for mental health needs, and increased absent days from school which affects their education. On the other end of the spectrum, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 years live in poverty and struggle to survive on their pension, filling the final years of their lives with struggle, strife, and sadness, especially when the elderly are isolated and alone.
Anti-poverty week social media post spreading awareness about poverty in Australia. Photo: Anti-Poverty Week
Around the world, an estimated 1.3 billion people live in “multi-dimensional” poverty, with limited access to clean water, proper shelter, electricity, health care, food, and education. While 712 million people, which is 10% of the world’s population, live on less than $ 2.15 USD a day. [3]
These numbers are sobering and can instil a sense of hopelessness given the international masses affected by the impacts of poverty.
Pope Francis’ call for an “ecological conversion” includes reflecting upon the capitalistic culture of consumerism that widens the chasm between rich and poor. He states that “the mentality of maximum gain at minimal cost … make impossible any sincere concern for our common home and any real preoccupation about assisting the poor and the needy (who) are discarded by society.”
As Christians, Pope Francis reminds us that we are to have “preferential option” for the poor and destitute because Jesus emphasized this message throughout the Gospels in his teachings and actions. Jesus identified himself with the poor when he said,
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” (Matt 25:35-36, 45)
Standing in solidarity with those who experience poverty is a Christian duty and we can contribute towards eradicating or at least lessening the impacts of poverty by doing the following:
- Donating food at your local community food-pantry, soup-van, or Christmas food collection at your parish
- Providing an extra sandwich and fruit for your child to take to school and share with a child who does not bring their lunch
- Organizing a Fun-Run or Walkathon with your local Parish or Sports Group to raise donations for organizations who work with poor and vulnerable groups in Australia and abroad
The Columban Mission Society is currently running its 2024 Christmas Appeal, where donations will help our Missionary Priests and Lay Missionaries provide essential support to children in need, migrants seeking shelter, and families struggling to afford basic necessities and a warm meal on the table over the Christmas period.
Furthermore, donations assist with the continued running of the St Bernadette Children’s Centre in Peru, where 1,200 children and adolescents play, complete homework, participate in activities, and learn music, art, and physical exercise. The Columban Mission Society has also built a school for 25 children in remote Pakistan to increase the chances of children receiving their education in the hope of a better and more hopeful future.
May Christ continue to make us instruments of his love, hope, and faith into the lives of people experiencing poverty in Australia and around the world.
God of Justice, open our eyes to see you in the face of the poor. Open our ears to hear you in the cries of the exploited. Remind us that what we do to the least ones, we do to you.
Amen.[4]
Mariana Waqa is the Regional Schools & Community Partnerships Coordinator.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
