Giving and Hospitality
- Mike Jones
- 38 minutes ago
- 3 min read
December 2025 / January 2026 Profiles in Catholicism
Message from the Editor
This December marks our first newsletter since the passing of our beloved founder, Gordon Nary. Gordon’s life was a testament to the Gospel call to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger. For many years, he volunteered as a cook at Assumption Catholic Church in Chicago, preparing meals for those in need.
We dedicate this issue to the spirit of giving and hospitality that Gordon embodied so beautifully. May his memory inspire us to serve others with joy and generosity.
A Quote to Reflect On
"The birth of Christ in poverty reminds us that true wealth is found in love and service."  — Pope Leo XIV
Prayers
Prayer for Generosity at Christmas  Lord Jesus, born in a humble manger, open our hearts to give freely this season. May we see You in the hungry, the lonely, and the poor, and may our gifts of time, food, and love reflect Your boundless mercy.
Prayer for Families in Poverty  God of compassion, bless families who struggle with poverty. Grant them strength, dignity, and hope. May we walk alongside them, empowering them to own their journey toward a better future.
Prayer in Memory of Gordon Nary  Loving Father, we thank You for the life of Gordon Nary. His service, hospitality, and love for the poor reflected Your Son’s mission. May his legacy continue to inspire us to feed both body and soul. Welcome him into Your eternal banquet.
Book and Interview Highlight: Martin Burt
This month we also highlight Martin Burt, founder of Fundación Paraguaya, and his groundbreaking book Who Owns Poverty? reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.
The book asks a radical question: Who owns poverty? The answer challenges conventional wisdom and offers a transformative path forward. Dr. Burt’s Poverty Stoplight methodology empowers families to self-diagnose their unique, multidimensional poverty across 50 indicators—ranging from health and housing to education and agency. By owning the problem, families become the true owners of the solution.
Now active in dozens of countries across five continents, this approach resonates deeply with Catholic Social Teaching. It reminds us that those living in poverty are not "problems to be managed," but rather the protagonists of their own liberation.
We invite you to read Gordon Nary’s final interview with Dr. Burt, where they discuss the global expansion of the Poverty Stoplight. Martin also shared a historic photo of himself presenting his book to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
Gordon’s Kitchen
For Gordon, cooking was never just about food. It was about communion. Gathering family, friends, and strangers around a table where love was baked into every dish. His passion for cooking extended to a cookbook he worked on for over 20 years, a project filled with recipes that nourished both body and spirit.
This Christmas, we share one of Gordon’s recipes: a tribute to Annie Lennox born on December 25th. Please visit December 25: Annie Lennox's Sweet Dreams.
Profiles in Catholicism was born from Gordon Nary’s tireless dedication to the Church, social justice, and the art of the interview. Today, we continue that mission: sharing stories of faith, advocacy, and even the joy of the kitchen. As a non-profit, we rely entirely on the generosity of our readers to keep these stories free and accessible to all.
Please consider a gift today to help us sustain our global reporting.
Closing Blessing
May this Christmas season inspire us to give generously, love deeply, and walk humbly with those who teach us the true meaning of hope. In memory of Gordon, and in solidarity with families worldwide, let us own the call to eliminate poverty and embody Christ’s love.