Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Those who work in the many forms of charitable activity of the Church cannot, then, content themselves just with offering technical services or resolving practical problems and difficulties. The assistance they provide must never be reduced to mere philanthropy but must be a tangible expression of evangelical love. Whoever works for the good of man in parish, diocesan, or international organizations, does so in the name of the Church and is, therefore, called offer an authentic manifestation of the Church through his activity.” These were the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum, received in an audience on February 29.
In his speech, the Pope focused on the importance of the of the Assembly’s theme: “Human and spiritual qualities of people who work in Catholic charity institutions,” recalling how he had dedicated his first Enyclical “Deus Caritas Est,” to the theme of charity. The Holy Father then expressed his “particular recognition” of all those who, in various roles, work in the field of charity: “We give thanks to God for the many Christians who dedicate their time and energy to providing not only material aid, but also support in the form of consolation and hope for those in difficult conditions, cultivating a constant promotion on favor of the true good of man. Charitable activity occupies a central position in the Church's evangelizing mission.” As the works of charity “are an important area in which to meet people who do not yet know Christ, or who know Him only partially. It is right, then, that pastors and those responsible for pastoral charity work ... should concern themselves with the human, professional and theological-spiritual formation" of people who operate in this field.
If a great emphasis is made, in this day and age, on the importance of permanent formation in society and in the Church, in acquiring a certain level of technical competence among those working in the charitable organizations of the Church, it is also necessary that a “formation of the heart” (spoken of by Pope Benedict XVI in his Encyclical “Deus Caritas Est,” 31a) be acquired, as well: “intimate and spiritual formation that, in finding Christ, radiates that character of the soul that alone can recognize and satisfy man’s desires and needs. This is precisely what allows us to take on the same longings of merciful love that God has for every human being. In the moments of suffering and pain, this is the necessary approach.” The formation in this area should, therefore, be the common characteristic among the workers in the various different charitable organizations, “so that they may also, and above all, be witnesses of evangelical love. This can only occur if the ultimate aim of their mission is not that of being social service operatives, but of announcing the Gospel of charity. Following Christ's footsteps, they are called to be witnesses of the value of life in all its expressions, especially defending the life of the weak and the sick,” the Pope said, later pointing out the example of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. “Secondly,” the Pope continued, “called to be witnesses of love, of the fact that we fully become men and women when we live for others, that no one must die and live for themselves alone, that happiness is not found in the solitude of a life lived for oneself, but rather through a gift of self. Lastly, those who work in the field of Church activity, must be witnesses of God, Who is fullness of love and invites us to love. The source of every act of a Church worker is God, who is Love, Creator, and Redeemer.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2008; righe 44, parole 619)
