Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula announced the creation of a special ministry for those dwelling in the streets.
He described them as present-day “silently suffering Lazarus” who must be given attention by the Church and society.
It was learned that in a decree issued on September 15, Advincula announced the creation of “Ministry with Persons in Street Dwelling Situations.”
Advincula assigned Fr. Francisco Nicolas Magnaye, Jr. as minister of the new office which will operate under the Commission on the Service of Charity of the Archdiocese of Manila.
He said the ministry will initially focus on the creation of a multi-sectoral support system to respond to the needs of street dwellers.
Among the support that will be provided the street dwellers are food, crisis intervention, psychosocial services, education, healthcare, skills training, livelihood training and even legal services.
The ministry will also focus on research, advocacy and the formation of youth advocates.
The cardinal said the goal is not only to provide help but also to create empowered communities far from life in the streets.
“The Church is called to unite herself in the lived struggles of persons in street-dwelling situations,” Advincula said.
