World AIDS Day - December 1, 2007

According to Zenit, on November 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI appealed to people of good will to increase their efforts to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS and to combat "the disdain" he says is often directed toward those with the disease:

I remain spiritually close to everyone suffering from this terrible sickness, and to their families, especially those who have lost a loved one. To everyone I give assurances of my prayers. Furthermore, I wish to exhort all people of good will to increase their efforts to halt the spread of the HIV virus, to combat the disdain which is often directed towards people who are affected by it, and to care for the sick, especially those who are still children.

Let us remember...that we are in the holy presence of God
when we are in the presence of those living, suffering, and dying with AIDS.

Here is a reflection I wrote three years ago on December 1 about "Advent waiting and what if."

And here are a list of resources for prayer, information, and action on AIDS.

Here are some resources from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.

Also, Catholic Relief Services and the Ecumenical Advocacy Allians both have resources to obeserve this year's World AIDS Day on December 1.