EUROPE/PORTUGAL - The family: first school of solidarity: The more solidarity is lived in the family, the more hope there will be for a future with more solidarity

Lisbon (Fides Service) - On the occasion of national Caritas Day in Portugal, 14 March, 3rd Sunday of Lent, the Bishops’ Commission for Social and Charitable Action issued a message on The Family: first school of solidarity.
The Message with the title “A family of solidarity is a ray of hope”, begins by explaining the collection of funds which Caritas makes every year for needy Portuguese and people of other nationalities who have not even the necessary for a life of dignity. “The poverty of these people is a thorn in the heart of our society ”, which is unable to solve the problem, ever more serious and widespread and which calls not only for economic solutions. “It is a social question with deep cultural roots fed in the humus of the family where the new generations are born and educated ”.
In view of this the document says that the human person discovers the value of other people imitating the models available. This principle is valid also for solidarity which like all other values, is not invented it is learned gradually from significant models and constant practice. The best models for a child are the members of his family: “Hence the importance of the family in the acquisition of a spirit of solidarity. A family which practices solidarity will produce children who practice solidarity”. Unfortunately today, “many children are educated to egoism rather than solidarity. They are given everything and they never experience difficulties or poverty so they are led to think that everything is easy. They think they have a right to everything and must renounce nothing. But without renunciation there can be no solidarity. Without solidarity there can be no peaceful coexistence or hope for a better future.
The Message ends underlining the fundamental contribution which the family is called to offer society: a vivid experience of communion and sharing which builds inter-personal relationships based on respect for personal dignity and promotes disinterested availability, generous service and sincere solidarity. The more solidarity is lived in the family, the more hope there will be for a future with more solidarity. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 15/3/2004; righe 29 - parole 376)