The Catholic Church has been, from its beginnings, an institution that seeks not only the propagation of faith, but also the service of humanity. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the need for the Church not to remain enclosed within its walls or lost in bureaucracy. In his vision, the Church must be an open community, ready to listen, act, and give itself to others, bringing the message of Christ to every corner of the world.
Listening: The Basis of Service
The act of listening is fundamental for a Church that wishes to serve. This does not only involve attending to words, but also understanding and empathizing with the needs and pains of others. A clear example of this approach is found in the recent synodality promoted by Pope Francis. Synodality is a process in which all members of the Church, from lay people to clergy, are called to participate in open and constructive dialogue. This process enables the Church to be more in tune with the realities and challenges facing its faithful, adapting and responding more effectively to their needs.
Do: Act with Coherence
The call to action is a natural consequence of listening. The Church, through various initiatives, demonstrates its commitment to service. A significant example is the work of Caritas International, a confederation of Catholic humanitarian aid organizations. Caritas is dedicated to assisting those most in need, offering support in emergency situations, development programs, and social justice efforts. This organization embodies the spirit of Christian charity and is a model of how the Church can act with coherence and commitment.
On a global level, Caritas International helps millions of people every year. In 2022, for example, assistance was provided to more than 13 million people in 200 countries and territories. This impressive reach demonstrates the significant impact of the Church’s action in the world.
Giving: A Spirit of Service
Giving oneself to others is perhaps the most challenging and noble aspect of the Church’s calling. This spirit of giving is manifested in countless ways, from the dedication of missionaries who bring the Gospel to remote places to the work of volunteers in local parishes. The figure of St. Oscar Romero, who gave his life defending the poor and oppressed in El Salvador, is an inspiring example of this sacrifice.
Another contemporary example is the work of the Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes, founded by Pope Francis. This foundation seeks to promote social integration and the culture of encounter through education, connecting schools and communities around the world. Its work not only educates, but also builds bridges of understanding and solidarity.
In its evangelizing effort, the Church also does immense work. Through its more than 400,000 priests and hundreds of thousands of committed religious and lay people, the Church reaches millions of people each year, not only with the word of Christ, but also with works of charity and education. This global network of dedication and service has a profound and lasting impact on communities most in need.
Important Observations
- Importance of Transparency and Inclusion: The Church must continue to strive to be transparent in its actions and decisions. This not only builds trust among the faithful, but also promotes a culture of inclusion and active participation of all members of the ecclesial community.
- Adaptability and Modernization: In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial for the Church to adapt to new realities and challenges. Modernizing its methods of evangelization and integrating new technologies can help the Church reach more people and respond more effectively to their spiritual and material needs.
By listening, doing, and giving to others, the Church fulfills its mission to be a beacon of hope and charity in the world. By remaining open and committed to service, it avoids falling into the trap of bureaucracy and isolation. The concrete examples of Caritas International and the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation show how the Church can be consistent and effective in its mission of bringing the word of Christ to every corner, always acting in a spirit of love and service.
