Motu Proprio - On the Service of Charity

[Ranp]

“The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: of proclaiming the word of God (kerygma-martyria), celebrating the sacraments (leitourgia) and exercising the ministry of charity (diakonia). These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable” (Deus Caritas Est, 25).

• Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20121111_caritas_en.html

Finally! :extrahappy:

Thank you Pope Benedict.

Ran

 

[Sirach2]

I wonder what prompted the Pope to issue this as a M.P.? That is a very strong move. These are the paragraphs that jumped out at me.
Art. 2. - § 2. A charitable agency may use the name “Catholic” only with the written consent of the competent authority, as laid down by canon 300 CIC

Art. 7 - § 2. To ensure an evangelical witness in the service of charity, the diocesan Bishop is to take care that those who work in the Church’s charitable apostolate, along with due professional competence, give an example of Christian life and witness to a formation of heart which testifies to a faith working through charity.

Art. 9 - § 3. It is the duty of the diocesan Bishop and the respective parish priests to see that in this area the faithful are not led into error or misunderstanding; hence they are to prevent publicity being given through parish or diocesan structures to initiatives which, while presenting themselves as charitable, propose choices or methods at odds with the Church’s teaching.
It is most upsetting that many organizations use the name “Catholic” without authorization, as a deception to promote anti-catholic material. Word must have reached the Holy Father’s ears about this. The internet is full of them.

 

[Genesis315]

“The Church’s charitable activity at all levels must avoid the risk of becoming just another form of organized social assistance.”



I think this is key. Just providing material support in an impersonal way does little to actually care for the whole person, body and soul. The Church’s charity should and can be more personal, seeing the spiritual needs which often accompany material needs, and making the love of Christ present to those who need to see it most. Charity should be geared to both the needs of the body and the salvation of the soul.

 

[Sirach2]

Hi Genesis,

About a week ago, EWTN’s guest on Fr. Pacwa’s show was Fr. Richard Ho Lung. He gave a beautiful witness to charity as you had mentioned. In giving themselves to the poor in his native land and around the world, there have been many vocations to his Order, and their fruitfulness serving among the poor is awe-inspiring. It is one charity that I will always be happy to provide financial help. The needs are many!

Here is the program if anyone is interested in viewing it.