Today, Thursday, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II held the annual meeting with the social welfare priests in the dioceses of Lower Egypt, the Canal governorates, and the pastoral sectors in Alexandria, with a total of 16 dioceses and pastoral sectors.

At the beginning of the meeting, Father Bishoy Charles, Secretary of the Social Welfare Service, welcomed the attendees, followed by an explanation given by Father Boulos Ava Mina of the system and steps for establishing the Social Development and Welfare Office in the dioceses.

Father Bishoy Nabil spoke about what has been accomplished so far in the social welfare service, and about the “Educate Your Son,” “The King’s Daughter,” and “Blessing Bag” programs.

While Mrs. Heidi Al-Fassali from the Central Bank, in her speech, addressed the issue of financial inclusion for marginalized groups, how to teach people the correct management of their money, and the role of the church in raising awareness in this context.

A short film was also shown about the “Educate Your Son” project, where at the end of the meeting, the outstanding students in the secondary school who participated in the project, and the bishops of the dioceses to which the outstanding students belong, were honored.
In his speech, His Holiness thanked the attendees and speakers, and spoke through the verse:
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,”
‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬), about the need for the social welfare priest to be authentic in his service, he addressed three topics under the title “Be an Authentic Priest”:
1- In parental care: that is, being a real father to the flock, a father who helps, gives, and protects.

2- In wise management: that is, teaching your children how to manage their home, financial, educational, and time matters correctly.
3- In fulfilling service: that is, your service should be useful and effective, whether spiritual, educational, health, social or developmental service.

His Holiness commended the services provided by the state, calling for the need to raise awareness of these services so that people can benefit from them.

His Holiness also commended the idea of development offices being established in dioceses, which contribute to raising the awareness of church members and increasing their ability to rely on themselves.

H.H. announced financial support, as a first stage, that will be provided to 30 diocese through the bishopric of services, provided that this support is directed to the sub-development office of the diocese in favor of financing small projects.

H.H. concluded by calling on everyone to benefit from the period of fasting, the end of the year, and the birth of Jesus Christ by repenting, practicing the sacrament of confession, and purifying the soul.

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