VATICAN - The Church and society’s response to the increase of homeless: “in them is present the suffering and risen Christ”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The Church’s engagement with homeless people must be based on the fundamental truth that in them is present the suffering and risen Christ. Following the example of Christ, we need to listen to them, develop trust and form relationships. To that purpose, the Church must reach out to them on the street in positive engagement.” This is one of the numerous “Recommendations” from the First International Meeting for the Pastoral Care of the Homeless, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, that was held November 26-27, at the Vatican. The final Document, which has just been published, offers a synthesis of its events, conclusions, and recommendations.
Among the 19 points of Conclusions, it says that, “Because of his condition, the person without a fixed dwelling remains unrepeatably singular and unique. In a society that interprets social relations as a function of obtaining economic gain, the Church takes upon itself the task of giving it back the value of a gratuitous relationship and its most profound meaning.” For some, “the outcome is that poverty is considered as the result of a life without values and therefore a fault. Consequently poverty is seen as a situation from which it is almost impossible to be freed.” The document also recalls the fact that “we live in a ‘society at risk,’ in which no one can claim to be exempt from the risk of becoming poor.”
The Church’s efforts are also mentioned. “In each of the five continents the example and dedication of Christian communities to the “least among the least” are a visible sign of the love of God for the human person, wherever he/she may live, in every life situation... The Church through its many institutions has been committed to helping homeless people by operating soup kitchens, shelters, job training and placement, advocacy, providing training to take up jobs as part of the process of their integration to the community, and providing pastoral care. The political changes and social phenomena that are constantly changing require a prophetic action on the part of the local Churches. Today we see that they are steadfastly committed to care for life, through their choices and their witness that love for Christ is a wellspring for mankind healed from the wounds of indifference.”
As the “homeless tends to increase in number in both developed and developing countries, in big cities and rural areas, among citizens and immigrants, including men, women and children of all ages,” the participants of the Meeting pointed out that, “the homeless represent a challenge for the whole society, which is called to a co-responsibility in the promotion of an impassioned approach to the problem.”
There are 36 “Recommendations” made, forming the third part of the final Document from the Meeting. Society is asked to: “form a local ‘network,’ in which responsibilities and competencies are recognised, with preference being given to planning rather than to participation in emergency situations.” And the Church is to promote the “collaboration among ecclesial institutions...,ending the tendency to work alone sometimes in a spirit of competition. Appropriate collaboration is also encouraged with civil authorities, other religions, and non-religious based institutions that share the same concerns and goals... Bishops’ Conferences and corresponding hierarchical Structures of the Oriental Catholic Churches should advocate for housing rights and development in the spirit of Populorum Progressio... A day of prayer for those suffering from extreme poverty (maybe on 17 October, celebrated as World Day against poverty) could contribute to this... [In dioceses], unused church resources (buildings) could be placed at the disposal of the development of affordable housing or shelter...Seminarians, religious and pastoral ministers must be formed in Catholic Social Doctrine and pastoral care of the poor and marginalised... Parishes should be “communities of welcome”... Homilies and other forms of catechesis should address the plight of the homeless and our consequent Christian response.”
In conclusion, the Document stated that, “The Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, with the help of the participants, should map the organisations that are working with the homeless so that it is easier to share models and facilitate communication and coordination. This meeting should not be the first and the last; a follow-up is needed.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 19/2/2008; righe 56; parole 711)