VATICAN - “The secularization of charity, reduced to philanthropic solidarity, is just to be as feared as the secularization of the faith”: the Superior General of Opera Don Orione tells Plenary of Cor Unum

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The secularization of charity, reduced to philanthropic solidarity, is just to be as feared as the secularization of the faith, reduced to an ideology of values. In both, secularist movements undermine the relationship with God, with Deus qui caritas est. Thus, testimony and spiritual formation is at the heart of the training of staff in Catholic institutions.” This was stated by the Superior General of the Opera Don Orione, Fr. Flavio Peloso, at the 28th Assembly of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” which is being celebrated in Rome November 12 to 14, where he spoke on behalf of the Union of Superiors General. The theme of the Plenary is "Pathways of formation charity service workers,” and will reflect on the comprehensive formation of persons working in Catholic charitable institutions in light of the encyclical, Deus Caritas Est. "As religious - says Don Flavio Peloso - we are committed to sharing with the laity not only in collaboration but also in the charism, the experience of God. Obviously the involvement and training of lay people, of all lay people involved in a work of charity, must be comprehensive, differentiated in categories, and be organic and continuous." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 13/11/2009)