When we talk about the poor, we usually mean people who have no job, or inadequate food and shelter. But surely the "poorest of the poor" are those who lack these basic necessities and the even more fundamental quality of decent health.

In the United States, even with its wealth and social support systems, the disabled often live in very difficult circumstances. In Latin America and elsewhere in the developing world, a disability can be an unbearable burden. In the midst of so many other forms of poverty, caring for the disabled is an act of heroic love — the kind of Gospel witness that needs our support to sustain itself. Those who care for the disabled need to be nourished themselves. That's the work of Faith and Light, but it's also the job of each of us as Christians in the developed countries. We may not be able to join in the work of Faith and Light directly, but we can almost always provide some measure of financial help.

In years past, Faith and Light supporters in North America have been asked to raise $8,000 to help the movement's work in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Those modest funds are no longer adequate. Thanks in part to its growing success, Faith and Light now needs $50,000 annually from North American friends just to sustain its work in Latin America.

Last year Pope John Paul II praised Faith and Light for its 30 years of "boldness, courage and perseverance . . . [in] reminding people of the eminent dignity of every human person." He said that Faith and Light "stands out as a prophetic sign in favor of life and in favor of the priority due to the weakest members of society."

If we want to live the coming season of repentance and conversion with the "practical generosity" the Holy Father urges in his Lent 2002 message, we can find no better place to start than with Faith and Light International. Surely its work deserves our prayers — and our financial support.

One final thought on the pope's words for Lent 2002. He reminds us in his message that a sacrificial love for the suffering and the weak is exactly the kind of love "to which the Church, through her countless institutions, bears witness in accepting responsibility for the sick, the marginalized, the poor and the exploited." If we want to love as Jesus did, we need to look to the Church to teach us — exactly as a child looks to his or her mother. But what is the Church — or better yet who is she? How can we better understand her, listen to her and learn from her to follow Jesus Christ?

I'll be talking about this at our catechetical conference this month, Feb. 22-23. The nature of the Church as our mother and teacher is one of the most important issues facing all of us today as Catholics, and I very much look forward to sharing the time with you there, especially pastors, teachers, principals and catechists, but the general public as well. Please make every effort to be there. You'll find this wonderful gathering worth every minute of your time.

Contributions to Faith and Light International may be directed to: Faith and Light International, c/o Maria-Cecilia and Tim Buckley, 2512 S. University Blvd., Apt. 811, Denver, CO 80210; telephone 303-722-7339.

To register for the Feb. 22-23 catechetical conference, "Witness, Teach Educate: Forming Disciples for the New Millennium," contact Lauretta Proulx at 303-715-3144.