For years, the “poor box” at Adelaide’s St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral has collected the generosity of parishioners – coins dropped in faith, notes tucked away with prayerful hope. Source: The Southern Cross.
Earlier this year, the parish asked an important question: how could this kindness be shared in a way that truly touched lives?
The answer came through a partnership with Catholic Charities and Hutt St Centre’s Angel for a Day program where donors sponsor daily meals for people experiencing homelessness.
“When I approached Catholic Charities and sought ideas for how best to use these funds, the goal was simple – we wanted the money to be used in a way that directly benefits those who need it the most, at a time when they need it the most,” Fr Lancy D’Silva CSC, dean of the Cathedral and administrator of the Cathedral parish, said.
“And after attending our very first Angel for a Day, I am confident it couldn’t have been put to better use.”
The Cathedral parish signed up to fund breakfasts and lunches on the first Monday of each month for three months in the initial phase, with plans to make this an ongoing effort through 2025.
A small team from the Cathedral parish, including Fr Lancy, Tony Versace, Conrad Fernandez, and Catholic Charities manager Christina Francis, visited Hutt St Centre to witness the Angel for a Day program in action.
They were warmly welcomed by the kitchen manager, Peter, who showed them around and explained how the program operates.
On the day of their visit, more than 120 people were served a hot, hearty lunch, with additional meals packed for takeaway, providing comfort and nourishment well into the evening.
“It was an amazing experience,” Fr Lancy said. “What struck me was that this act of service was not just about offering food; it was about human connection, about dignity, about looking someone in the eye and reminding them they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
“It was a beautiful example of what community support can look like, especially for those on the margins of society; people who are so often overlooked.”
FULL STORY
Generous serve of kindness (The Southern Cross)
