Liverpool marks Jubilee of Social Justice

Image: CSAN

Source: Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN)

On Saturday 20 September, Caritas Social Action Network hosted a Jubilee of Social Justice in Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral. The day began with Mass at 12 noon, led by Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon.

In his homily, Archbishop Malcolm urged all those present to "bear fruit with patience", referring to the gospel of the day from St Luke (8:15). He acknowledged the challenges faced by those working for social justice, including legislation which doesn't always support life, funding cuts and rules that hinder the relief of poverty. He praised the enormous contribution made by the Catholic Church in England and Wales in the field of social action and urged us to look forward, continuing the journey in faith, bearing fruit with patience and hope.

The music for the Mass was led by Jo Boyce and friends from CJM Music and was, as always, inspiring. Two BSL interpreters were present to help to make the Mass accessible to people who were deaf in the congregation.

After Mass, there was an exhibition in the Pontifical Hall of twenty charities and organisations, which included CSAN members as well as charities from the wider social action network such as CAFOD, the National Justice and Peace Network and Mary's Meals. There was a palpable buzz and a lot of new and fruitful connections were made.

There were short speeches from a range of inspiring voices in the network, representing charities and agencies tackling poverty, isolation and injustice on a number of fronts. We heard from a young woman with cerebral palsy who has been working with Caritas Shrewsbury. She spoke movingly about the barriers faced by her family and the threat of eviction currently hanging over them. She has undertaken Citizen UK's six-day training programme and is developing skills as a community leader and agent of change.

Reflecting on the day in Liverpool, Raymond Friel, CEO of Caritas Social Action Network said, "It was a great joy to bring together so many committed people working for social justice in England and Wales. At a time of rising community tensions and the use of national symbolism to promote division and exclusion, we are raising a flag in this Jubilee Year for hope, not hate. So many people know little of the work of Catholic charities in relieving poverty and advocating for social justice. It's an inspiring story we should have the confidence to share in the public arena."

On the same day, in Rome, Pope Leo XIV led the universal Church in the celebration of the Jubilee of Justice. In his Address in St Peter's Square he said: "Justice becomes concrete when it reaches out to others, when each person is given their due, until equality in dignity and opportunity among human beings is achieved".

The work of the members of CSAN, the Catholic and Christian charities in the wider social action network, and the work of many people of goodwill, makes justice concrete and helps to restore dignity and give hope.

Caritas Social Action is an agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, dedicated to supporting those working in the field of social action in England and Wales, providing formation and training, and raising a coherent Catholic voice in the public square for the Good News and against injustice.

A group of ten representatives from Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace attended the Jubilee of Justice in Rome. More reports from them to follow.

LINKS

CSAN: www.csan.org.uk/

Pope Leo XIV's Jubilee of Justice address to pilgrims in St Peter's Square on Saturday:
www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/september/documents/20250920-giubileo-operatori-giustizia.html