Limerick Diocesan forum stresses poverty is not inevitable

A forum hosted by the Limerick Diocese on 15 November highlighted that poverty is not inevitable and called on local communities to challenge its root causes.

The event, held at the Diocesan Centre in Corbally, brought together organisations and individuals involved in social outreach, action and research across the region. The keynote speaker was Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland and a native of Askeaton.

Organised by Bishop Brendan Leahy, the gathering marked the tenth World Day of the Poor, an annual day launched by Pope Francis. Bishop Leahy praised the resilience, creativity and community spirit of Limerick while warning that significant social inequalities remain.

He noted multiple forms of economic and social impoverishment, including material, social, cultural, digital, fuel and housing poverty, and thanked volunteers and charities for their ongoing support to disadvantaged people.

Clarken stressed that poverty and inequality are global challenges with direct local relevance, emphasizing Oxfam’s work in humanitarian response, development and advocacy. He urged organisations to share expertise and amplify the voices of those often excluded from decision‑making.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Jay's Photography / Pexels.