Pope Francis: "to offer a concrete testimony to help the most vulnerable be accepted and included, and thus to make our world a “common home”
Professor John Lydon, Principal Lecturer and
Programme Director MA in Catholic School Leadership acted as Moderator for the
Forum of International Catholic-inspired NGOs in Rome supported by the Holy
See’s Secretariat of State
John acted as the Moderator at the Fourth
Forum of International Lay Catholic inspired Organisations, which was held at
Villa Aurelia, Rome, 4-7th December 2019. He was representing the major international
Catholic NGO, the World Union of Catholic Teachers (UMEC-WUCT) which advocates for
Catholic teachers across the globe and has consultative status with
UNESCO. The theme of the Forum 2019 was Towards a More Inclusive Society which
is aimed at leaving no one behind and a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals for achievement by 2030.
This theme was inspired by Pope Francis’
words ‘the light of the Gospel is the
guide for anyone who places him/herself at the service of a civilization of
love, where the Beatitudes have a special resonance, where there is true
inclusion of the least’. In a world with emerging issues of ever greater
complexity including climate change, poverty, marginalisation and exclusion,
people around the world are experiencing a new sense of vulnerability, as well
as a deeper quest for morality and responsibility. In a landscape of many
international NGOs, Catholic organisations present in civil society seek to be
an active partner contributing to the many efforts to defend human rights and
promote social justice in a continuously evolving process.
A ‘person-centred vision’ is at the heart of
activity to be able to contribute to the common good, in contrast to the
predominately profit-oriented vision of the world. This aims for the full
recognition and respect of all human beings and the promotion of the integral
development and well-being of all. These translate into three innovative
approaches by Catholic NGOs:
i)
There is an understanding that present social
and economic structures are still inadequate to meet the needs of global
populations;
ii)
There is a perceived convergence with the goals
of intergovernmental bodies, which were created to reaffirm faith in
fundamental human rights;
iii)
There is the Social Teaching of the Catholic
Church and its promotion of a person-centred vision and the value of the
community.
Five major person-centred tools are also
being used to promote a civilisation of care and inclusion. These include:
i)
The upholding of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights;
ii)
The further development of international
collaboration;
iii)
Striving to serve the common good in building
new global pathways;
iv)
The principle of subsidiarity to ensure
broader inclusion, while distributing power;
v)
The adequate appreciation of the human person
as a social being.
In the area of education, Catholic schools
and universities have been emblematic of inclusion for all, to promote human
development and flourishing. John spoke of the importance of maintaining
Catholic identity while being inclusive. This included promoting a holistic,
quality education and the centrality of the teachers who play a crucial role in
humanising education and developing inclusive societies. However, the formation
of teachers themselves is increasingly complex in a rapidly changing
educational landscape and society due to secularisation and relativism. There
are also challenges from poverty, financial constraints and those experiencing
war are particularly vulnerable. In moderating the discussions across all
themes, John was able to report on the wide range of advocacy put forward by
NGOs including the Daughters of Charity, a Vincentian Congregation represented
at the United Nations in Geneva. On their behalf, Sister Catherine Prendergast
spoke of the lack of recognition of homeless young people, resonating with the concerns of our
Centre for Research for the Education of Marginalised Children and Young Adults
here at St Mary’s, fitting in the context of the rich Vincentian heritage of St
Mary’s University.
To overcome these challenges a number of
recommendations were adopted going forward including the importance of open
dialogue, using innovative approaches to university teacher formation, ongoing
professional development, peer support in building inclusive societies and the
need for families and schools to work together. Finally, to support Catholic
educational institutions in maintaining their unique character at the service of
dialogue, peace and the realisation of integral human development for all.
The Forum was chaired by Johan Ketelers, former
Secretary General of the Geneva-based International Catholic Migration
Commission (ICMC) and Director General of Caritas International, and has
established Catholic centres in Geneva, Rome, Strasbourg and Paris. The Forum
is the enlarged successor to the Conference of International Catholic
Organisations set-up after the First World War. The Vatican Secretariat of
State was represented by Cardinal Parolin, the Secretary of State, who
delivered a keynote address and presided at the closing celebration of the
Eucharist. The Forum closed with a private audience for all Forum delegates with
His Holiness Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace. 
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