On this date in 1987, the movement placed a commemorative plaque in Paris “for the victims of poverty.”
This Polish priest, whose process of beatification is under way, dedicated his life to the disinherited. He was joined in Paris for the 1987 unveiling of the plaque by 100,000 people.
Five years later, the United Nations made the observance of the Day of Solidarity with the poor its own. In 1992, it sponsored the plan of Father Wresinski´s movement, present today in 25 countries.
Among other things, the event organizers suggested “spending a night as a homeless person.” Night concerts were held in European city squares and hot meals were distributed.
Numerous associations joined this initiative, including Caritas, Catholic Action, the Community of Sant´Egidio, the Focolare Movement, St. Vincent´s, and the Red Cross.
