“I thank you, small farmer. What you do is essential for the life of all. As a person, as a child of God, you deserve a decent life. But I wonder: how is your work compensated? The earth is a gift from God. It is not right to exploit it for the benefit of just a few, depriving the great majority of their rights and benefits. Please consider adding your voice to mine in this prayer: that small farmers may receive just compensation for their invaluable work.”
-Pope Francis, April prayer intentions.
“O God, Creator of the earth, you give life to the seeds that are sown so that they may grow and bear fruit. Bless the labors of those who work the land so that there may be an abundant harvest to feed the hungry of the world. May all farmers receive a just wage for their labor so that they may continue their noble work of caring for the land and feeding us. Amen.”
