Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Archdiocese of San Francisco has announced a Requiem Mass that will be celebrated on Nov. 6 for the homeless; the Mass will feature a painting by  Bernadette Cartensen titled “Patron Saints of the Homeless.”

There are more than 8,000 individuals living homeless in San Francisco, in addition to nearly 10,000 individuals who are at-risk, living in city-provided housing, according to SF Curbed. 

“Bernadette Carstensen just dropped off 'Patron Saints of the Homeless' to St. Mary’s Cathedral.  It will be set up as a shrine so we can pray for the homeless, both those living & those who have died on the streets, for the November 6 Requiem Mass for the Homeless,”  Archbishop Cordileone  tweeted. 

Carstensen is a San Francisco artist and completed the painting as a commission for the Benedict XVI Institute, according to her website. 

The Mass on Nov. 6 will be able to accommodate 1,000 individuals, due to COVID restrictions. Because of the limited space, registration beforehand is being required. 

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, it is a corporal work of mercy to care for the homeless. There are also countless verses in the sacred scriptures which encourage the faithful to care for those in need.