“The poor have much to teach us about the Gospel and its demands.”


Pope Leo XIV’s name choice alone highlights the legacy of the Church’s long tradition of Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Leo now adds to that legacy with his first formal teaching, the apostolic exhortation for all Christians - Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You")- On Love for the Poor.


You are invited by your Baptism to learn more about this teaching of our Church. Dilexi Te explains that “the poorest are not only objects of our compassion, but teachers of the Gospel. It is not a question of ‘bringing’ God to them, but of encountering him among them”.


2 sessions of 60 mins each, in the Church, after the 10 AM Mass (11:15 AM - 12:15 PM):

  • Sunday, January 18, 2026 -  Dilexi Te ("I Have Loved You") - what did Pope Leo XIV say about Love for the Poor?
  • Sunday, January 25, 2026 -  Dilexi Te - how does this Apostolic Exhortation call us to respond?


Please RSVP – register online so we can share resource links with you. There is no cost.


LINK: Here's a link to Pope Leo's document Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te of the Holy Father Leo XIV on Love for the Poor (4 October 2025)


BOOK: (Optional only) - If you'd like a book to hold, you can order one here Dilexi Te: Apostolic Exhortation on Love... book by Pope Leo XIV


About the Presenter


The Dilexi Te sessions will be facilitated by Cullen Larson, retired director from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the US Catholic community. Cullen and his wife Lola Larson joined St. Andrew parish earlier in 2021. Cullen’s CRS work frequently focused on how Catholic social teaching principles inform the work of CRS. He has often presented on CST in parish, diocesan, university, and other Catholic settings. He earned an undergraduate degree in theology and philosophy (Loyola University, New Orleans), and a master of pastoral studies degree (Spring Hill College, Mobile), and holds a master of public administration (University of Georgia), and a law degree (Emory University). His favorite quote from the Catholic Catechism is: “The Eucharist commits us to the poor.”(CCC #1397)

There is no cost to attend. Please register online so we can share resource links with you.



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