Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila has established a new ministry for street dwellers, describing them as the “silently suffering Lazarus of our time” who must be welcomed into both the Church and society.
In a decree issued Sept. 15, he announced the creation of the “Ministry with Persons in Street Dwelling Situations” to help them transition into empowered communities fully integrated into society.
Advincula appointed Fr. Francisco Nicolas Magnaye Jr. as minister of the new office, which will operate under the archdiocese’s Commission on the Service of Charity.
The ministry will focus on creating a multi-sectoral support system to address the needs of street dwellers.
Its tasks include compiling an inventory of resources for the homeless, strengthening cooperation among service providers, and implementing community organizing at parish and inter-parish levels.
Programs to be supported range from feeding and crisis intervention to psychosocial services, education, healthcare, skills training and livelihood training, and legal services.
The ministry will also pursue research, advocacy, and the formation of youth advocates.
The cardinal said the goal is not only to provide assistance but also to build empowered communities that can transition away from street life.
“The Church is called to unite herself in the lived struggles of persons in street-dwelling situations,” Advincula said.
