The first World Day of the Poor was held Sunday, promoted by Pope Francis. The event was announced in order to create a space for the poor and non-poor alike to gather.
The Pope asked worldwide for people to serve the poor in their communities with concrete actions that address their daily needs.
The House of Mercy held a number of events at their location on Ormond Street including a winter clothing drive and community meal.
Director of the House of Mercy Sister Grace Miller said it’s not celebrating poverty, it’s celebrating the poor, similar to some passages in scripture.
"It’s great that the Pope is asking everyone to encounter. That’s the big word, encounter. Meet them, don’t just give to them but talk to them and help lift them up."
Miller said the day is about blurring the lines between those who have and those who don’t. She says sometimes it’s easy to forget how close we all really are.
"You know Brighton is only a mile and a half away from the inner city. And they have the greatest school system, educational system. Our people don’t have that, and they're not that far away."
Miller says they always need volunteers but also welcome people to come and learn from the people they serve.