domenica 17 novembre 2024
giovedì 14 novembre 2024
UNIVERSITY and SOUL
by Benedetta Capelli
If there is a key word that has crossed the Dies Academicus, the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year of the Pontifical Lateran University, it is “soul”.
A term that for the rector of the university, Monsignor Alfonso Amarante, implies a constant work of dialogue and meeting between teachers and students but also the need to dare by starting virtuous paths, exploring roads that others have not traveled and that is not just an occupation of spaces. There are three steps indicated, also the result of the commitment of a new Superior Coordination Council made official only last Saturday, November 9.
The first concerns the growth of the training path, looking at the quality of the teaching staff which last year numbered 139 professors and 1137 students; followed by the search for new communication strategies to spread the Pul's offer and finally the development of a three-year plan that includes the identification of possible donors/contributors in Italy and abroad.
"Soul" is also the word that Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, emphasized in his speech, declining together with wonder, creativity and freedom of thought. "The university," he stated, "is a space in which the individual finds the conditions to become the protagonist of his own history, an extraordinary interweaving of dialogue." The cardinal also did not fail to call for a change in the university, speaking of courage and audacity which are the right ingredients to dare and not lose the ability to be "the salt of the earth and the light of the world." "The university is a laboratory of dialogue also with Christ and needs interlocutors, inspired teachers and credible witnesses."
The prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education then wanted to thank Giacomo Poretti, a comic actor and successful protagonist of several films made by the trio Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo, for the beautiful and intense reflection on the soul that he gave to attentive students and teachers interested in the novelty of a comedian who engages in a sort of Lectio Magistralis. Poretti drew from his repertoire, summarizing parts of a 2018 show entitled Fare l’anima. And he also drew from his private life, talking about the birth of his son Emanuele, about the visit to the hospital by Don Bruno, the priest who had married him. That phrase thrown out there after playing with the little newborn was disconcerting: «well, you have made a body, now you have to make the soul».
But how is the soul made? What is it? Where is it? When is it born? These are «childish questions» said Don Davide Milani, official of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, introducing Giacomo Poretti. Questions that each of us has asked ourselves in life and to which the actor obviously does not offer an answer, his merit is to show the strength or rather the weakness of this word.
A word, he said, that has settled in his heart, generating a slight annoyance but also anxiety. "It made me tender," he explained, "and it seemed to me that it had the painful lament of abandonment, that I had never deigned to sympathize with it, to listen to it. I thought about the solitude of words, perhaps a word must be frequented, it needs care, if they are not spoken, words are forgotten and disappear. Dictionaries can then be the cemetery of words, think of terms such as meekness, villeggiatura, paltò, infinito, speme and indeed anima".
For Poretti, today's man seeks reassurance in what he sees, in technology for example, in the algorithm that chooses for us, in big data but with the soul we must deal. "Priests can turn your life upside down", nothing more true, as it is true - continued the actor - that the choice to dedicate himself to the priesthood makes one think. For him, priests are "stubborn men" who have not given in to the charm of influencers, "who have the nerve to wake up every morning and dress in black, these poor devils try to tattoo something precious and mysterious in our hearts". Precious and mysterious like the soul.
Osservatore Romano
lunedì 11 novembre 2024
L'UMEC-WUCT À L'UNESCO
Cette année,
l'UMEC-WUCT a poursuivi sa collaboration avec l'UNESCO et avec les Comités
d'ONG et le CCIC (Centre catholique International de Coopération avec
l'UNESCO). Le Père Albert Kabuge représente l'UMEC-WUCT au Conseil
d'Administration. Mme Christine Roche, également membre du Syndicat, y
participe également.
La participation
aux événements organisés par ces institutions a été constante et très
appréciée.
En particulier,
les initiatives suivantes sont mises en avant :
- Collaboration
avec le groupe ONG pour des formations relatives aux problèmes complexes de
rareté de l'eau (éducation, recherche et protection des sources d'eau,
problèmes de santé...). D'ailleurs, le projet présenté par l'UMEC a été
approuvé et sera mis en œuvre au Burkina Faso l'année prochaine. Elle sera
traitée avec les représentants de l'Union opérant en RD du Congo.
- Participation au
projet des Jeux Paralympiques, pour un sport inclusif, organisé par l'UNESCO.
- Participation à
l'organisation de la Journée mondiale des enseignants, de la Journée de la
langue maternelle, de la Semaine du son, de la Journée du multilinguisme, de la
Journée de Sainte Thérèse.
- Participation
aux Conférences pour les prix pour les droits et la paix, pour le respect et la
valorisation de la femme, pour le « changement des mentalités et la lutte
contre les préjugés qui portent atteinte à la dignité humaine.
- Accompagnement
des étudiants fréquentant "l'école de cinéma" de Paris ;
- Participation au
Comité de Liaison ONG et CICC.
-Organisation de
divers webinaires sur des sujets éducatifs et sociaux.
Le prof. Danielle
Woestenberg a été nommée pour faire partie du Comité de liaison ONG-UNESCO pour
les deux prochaines années. Les élections auront lieu en décembre prochain.
Le Père Albert
Kabuge continue d'être notre représentant auprès de l'UNESCO à Paris.
Nous le remercions
pour son engagement généreux, constant et compétent, qui fait honneur à
l'Union.
Nous remercions
tous ceux qui ont interagi avec l'UMEC-WUCT et nous assurons de poursuivre la
collaboration.
UMEC-WUCT AT UNESCO
Participation in
the events organized by these institutions has been constant and highly
appreciated.
In particular, the
following initiatives are highlighted:
- Collaboration
with the NGO group for training on the complex issues of water scarcity
(education, research and protection of water sources, health problems, etc.).
By the way, the project presented by UMEC has been approved and will be
implemented in Burkina Faso next year. It will be managed with the
representatives of the Union operating in the DR of Congo.
- Participation in
the Paralympic Games project, for an inclusive sport, organized by UNESCO.
- Participation in
the organization of World Teachers' Day, Mother Languages Day, Sound Week,
Multilingualism Day, and Saint Teresa Day.
- Participation in
Conferences for the awards for rights and peace, for the respect and
valorization of women, for the “change of mentality and the fight against
prejudices that offend human dignity.
- Accompanying
students attending the “cinema school” in Paris;
- Participation in
the Liaison Committee of NGOs and the CCIC.
-Organization of
various webinars on educational and social topics.
Prof. Danielle
Woestenberg has been nominated to be part of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee
for the next two years. The elections will take place next December.
Father Albert
Kabuge continues to be our representative at UNESCO in Paris.
We thank him for
his generous, constant and competent commitment, which brings honour to the
Union.
We thank all those
who have interacted with UMEC-WUCT and assure you of continued collaboration.
LA UMEC-WUCT EN LA UNESCO
Este año, la UMEC-WUCT continuó su colaboración con la UNESCO y con los comités de las ONG y el CCIC (Centro Catholique Internacional de Cooperación con la UNESCO). El padre Albert Kabuge representa a la UMEC-WUCT en el consejo de administración. Participa también la señora Christine Roche, también miembro de la Unión.
La participación
en los eventos organizados por estas instituciones fue constante y muy
apreciada.
En particular, se
destacan las siguientes iniciativas:
- Colaboración con
el grupo de ONG para la formación relacionada con los complejos problemas de
escasez de agua (educación, investigación y protección de las fuentes de agua,
problemas de salud...). Por cierto, el proyecto presentado por la UMEC ha sido aprobado
y se implementará en Burkina Faso el próximo año. Se tratará con representantes
de la Unión que operan en la República Democrática del Congo.
- Participación en
el proyecto de Juegos Paralímpicos, por el deporte inclusivo, organizado por la
UNESCO.
- Participación en
la organización del Día Mundial de los Docentes, Día de la Lengua Materna,
Semana del Sonido, Día del Multilingüismo, Día de Santa Teresa.
- Participación en
las Jornadas por los premios por los derechos y la paz, por el respeto y la
valorización de la mujer, por el "cambio de mentalidad y la lucha contra
los prejuicios que ofenden la dignidad humana".
- Acompañamiento
de los estudiantes de la "escuela de cine" de París;
- Participación en
el Comité de Enlace de ONG y CCPI.
-Organización de
diversos webinars sobre temas educativos y sociales.
El prof. Danielle
Woestenberg ha sido nominada para formar parte del Comité de Enlace ONG-UNESCO
para los próximos dos años. Las elecciones tendrán lugar el próximo diciembre.
El padre Albert
Kabuge sigue siendo nuestro representante ante la UNESCO en París.
Le agradecemos su
compromiso generoso, constante y competente, que honra a la Unión.
Agradecemos a
todos aquellos que interactuaron con UMEC-WUCT y nos aseguramos que continuará
la colaboración.
domenica 10 novembre 2024
UMEC-WUCT COUNCIL IN CHILE
IDENTITY OF THE CATHOLIC TEACHER
TODAY AND TOMORROW
ON THE ROAD TOWARDS THE JUBILEE
From November 11 to 15, representatives of the institutions adhering to the World Union of Catholic Teachers, from various continents, will meet in Santiago de Chile for the annual meeting of the Council of the Union.
The program is very rich. It includes the participation of the Archbishop of Santiago, the representative of UNESCO for Latin America, rectors and professors from various universities in Latin America (Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico), political and religious authorities, teachers from various schools in Chile.
A meeting with the Colegio San Patricio in Ciguayante and a visit to places of cultural and tourist importance are planned.
Particular attention will be paid to the Jubilee journey and the participation of the Union in the Jubilee of Educators that will take place in Rome from October 30 to November 2 next year.
The Council, as per the Statute, will reserve half a day to review the activities of the Union at global, continental and national levels.
The work will be coordinated by the President of the Union, Professor Jan De Groof, by the coordinator of the Latin American Union, Professor Mario Sandoval, and by the director of the Colegio San Patricio, Professor Patricio Inostroza.
IDENTIDAD DEL MAESTRO CATÓLICO HOY Y MAÑANA
EN EL CAMINO HACIA EL JUBILEO
Del 11 al 15 de noviembre, representantes de las instituciones pertenecientes a la Unión Mundial de Educadores Católicos, provenientes de los distintos continentes, se reunirán en Santiago de Chile para la reunión anual del Consejo de la Unión.
El programa es muy rico. Cuenta con la participación del Arzobispo de Santiago, el representante de la UNESCO para América Latina, rectores y docentes de diversas universidades de América Latina (Chile, Colombia, Argentina, México), autoridades políticas y religiosas, docentes de diversos colegios de Chile.
Está previsto un encuentro con el Colegio San Patricio de Ciguayante y una visita a lugares de importancia cultural y turística.
Se prestará especial atención al camino jubilar y a la participación de la Unión en el Jubileo de los educadores que tendrá lugar en Roma del 30 de octubre al 2 de noviembre del próximo año.
El Consejo, según el Estatuto, reservará medio día para verificar las actividades de la Unión a nivel global, continental y nacional.
El trabajo será coordinado por el presidente de la Unión, profesor Jan De Groof, por el coordinador de la Unión de América Latina, profesor Mario Sandoval, y por el director del Colegio San Patricio, profesor Patricio Inostroza.
IDENTITÉ DE L'ENSEIGNANT CATHOLIQUE AUJOURD'HUI ET DEMAIN
EN CHEMIN VERS LE JUBILÉ
Du 11 au 15 novembre, des représentants des institutions appartenant à l'Union Mondiale des Enseignants Catholiques, venant des différents continents, se réuniront à Santiago du Chili pour la réunion annuelle du Conseil de l'Union.
Le programme est très riche. Il implique la participation de l'archevêque de Santiago, du représentant de l'UNESCO pour l'Amérique latine, des recteurs et des enseignants de diverses universités d'Amérique latine (Chili, Colombie, Argentine, Mexique), des autorités politiques et religieuses, des enseignants de diverses écoles du Chili.
Une rencontre avec le Collège San Patricio de Ciguayante et une visite de lieux d'importance culturelle et touristique sont prévues.
Une attention particulière sera accordée au parcours jubilaire et à la participation de l'Union au Jubilé des éducateurs qui aura lieu à Rome du 30 octobre au 2 novembre de l'année prochaine.
Le Conseil, conformément au Statut, réservera une demi-journée pour vérifier les activités de l'Union aux niveaux mondial, continental et national.
Les travaux seront coordonnés par le président de l'Union, le professeur Jan De Groof, par le coordinateur de l'Union d'Amérique latine, le professeur Mario Sandoval, et par le directeur du Collège San Patricio, le professeur Patricio Inostroza.
giovedì 7 novembre 2024
mercoledì 6 novembre 2024
FATHER PAUL POPA WITH UMEC-WUCT
COLLABORATING
WITH UMEC-WUCT
en-fr-es-it-ro
Father Paul Popa, director of the Pastoral Office for the
Laity of the Greek Catholic Diocese of Oradea, has been appointed spiritual
assistant in Europe of the World Union of Catholic Teachers (UMEC-WUCT), an
international Catholic organization recognized by the Holy See, with
consultative status with the Council of Europe, Ecosoc, UNESCO and Unicef. By
promoting solidarity, dialogue and cooperation between different educational
institutions and realities, the World Union of Catholic Teachers wishes to strengthen
the relations and mission of this organization in Europe, especially in Eastern
Europe, to support Catholic teachers, who work in both Catholic and secular
schools, in the witness of the values of the Gospel in the educational work.
Father Popa will collaborate with the current World Assistant, the Archbishop
of Cambrai (France), Monsignor Vincent Dollmann, and with the Executive
Committee of the Union.
LE PÈRE PAUL POPA APPELÉ
POUR COLLABORER AVEC L'UMEC-WUCT
LLAMADO EL PADRE PABLO POPA
PARA COLABORAR CON UMEC-WUCT
El padre Paul Popa, director de la Oficina de Pastoral para los Laicos
de la diócesis greco-católica de Oradea, ha sido nombrado asistente espiritual
en Europa de la Unión Mundial de Profesores Católicos (UMEC-WUCT), organización
católica internacional reconocida por la Santa Sede , con estatus consultivo
ante el Consejo de Europa, Ecosoc, UNESCO y Unicef. Al promover la solidaridad,
el diálogo y la cooperación entre diferentes realidades e instituciones
educativas, la Unión Mundial de Docentes Católicos desea fortalecer las
relaciones y la misión de esta organización en Europa, especialmente en Europa
del Este, con el fin de apoyar a los docentes católicos, que operan tanto en la
enseñanza católica. escuelas y en las escuelas laicas, dando testimonio de los
valores del Evangelio en la labor educativa. El padre Popa colaborará con el
actual Asistente Mundial, el arzobispo de Cambrai (Francia), monseñor Vincent
Dollmann, y con el Comité Ejecutivo de la Unión.
"El padre Paul Popa participa activamente en la UMEC-WUCT desde
hace varios años, concretamente desde 2011, ocupándose de la formación de
profesores y de la interacción con otras asociaciones de profesores católicos
de todo el mundo". Esto es lo que leemos en la carta de nominación enviada
por el Prof. Jan de Groof, Presidente de la UMEC-WUCT, que también agradece el
generoso compromiso de Su Excelencia Virgilio Bercea, obispo greco-católico de
Oradea, y del Padre Paul Popa, en promover y fomentar los intercambios
internacionales y la ampliación de la Unión Mundial de Profesores Católicos”.
Cabe destacar, en este contexto, la participación de varios profesores del
colegio greco-católico “Iuliu Maniu” en las reuniones de la organización y las
colaboraciones realizadas hasta el momento con la UMEC-WUCT. Además, Su
Excelencia Virgilio, como presidente de la Comisión para la Educación en el
Sínodo de la Iglesia greco-católica rumana unida con Roma, participó en las
reuniones generales de la UMEC-WUCT en Roma, reuniéndose también con el Santo
Padre.
Con este nombramiento, el padre Paul Popa colaborará con el Comité
Ejecutivo de la Unión Mundial de Maestros Católicos en las diversas actividades
que planificarán juntos en el futuro. El Comité Ejecutivo, elegido cada cuatro
años por el Consejo de la Unión, está compuesto actualmente por: Monseñor
Vincent Dollmann, Arzobispo de Cambrai (Francia), Prof. Jan De Groof
(Presidente), Dr. Giuseppe Desideri (secretario general), Prof. . Caroline
Healy (tesorera), Dr. Giovanni Perrone (asesor especial).
Los orígenes de la UMEC-WUCT se remontan a 1908, cuando los presidentes
de las asociaciones de profesores católicos de Austria, Holanda, Suiza y
Alemania lanzaron la idea de una Unión Internacional de Profesores Católicos.
La UMEC-WUCT, suprimida por el régimen nazi, fue refundada en Roma en 1951
gracias al Papa Pío XII y a los presidentes de diversas asociaciones nacionales
(Italia, Francia, España, Holanda, Filipinas, Argentina, Colombia, Bélgica,
Gran Bretaña, Austria…). Es reconocido por la Santa Sede, que nombra al
Asistente Eclesiástico.
Oficina de prensa del Parque greco-católico de Oradea
- Mihaela Caba-Madarasi
A COLLABORARE CON L’UMEC-WUCT
Padre Paul Popa, direttore dell'Ufficio pastorale per i laici della Diocesi greco-cattolica di Oradea, è stato nominato assistente spirituale in Europa dell'Unione mondiale degli insegnanti cattolici (UMEC-WUCT), organizzazione cattolica internazionale riconosciuta dalla la Santa Sede, con status consultivo presso il Consiglio d'Europa, l'Ecosoc, l'UNESCO e l'Unicef. Promuovendo la solidarietà, il dialogo e la cooperazione tra diverse realtà e istituzioni educative, l'Unione Mondiale degli Insegnanti Cattolici desidera rafforzare le relazioni e la missione di questa organizzazione in Europa, soprattutto nell'Europa dell'Est, al fine di sostenere gli insegnanti cattolici, che operano sia nelle scuole cattoliche sia nelle scuole laiche, nella testimonianza dei valori del Vangelo nell’opera educativa. Padre Popa collaborerà con l’attuale Assistente Mondiale, l’Arcivescovo di Cambrai (Francia), Monsignore Vincent Dollmann, e con il Comitato Esecutivo dell’Unione.
lunedì 21 ottobre 2024
EDUCATION AT A GLANCE
Education at a Glance is the definitive guide to the state of education around the world. More than 100 charts and tables in the publication and country notes – as well as many more in the data explorer – describe the output of educational institutions; the impact of learning across countries; access, participation and progression in education; the financial resources invested in education; and teachers, the learning environment and the organisation of schools. The 2024 edition focuses on equity in education, providing indicators on gaps in educational outcomes and discussing the effect of educational attainment on labour market outcomes.
Secondary attainment improved across most OECD countries. Educational and labour-market outcomes have improved for the young adults most at risk of falling behind. Girls and women continue to earn lower than their male counterparts, despite outperforming boys and men by most available measures, though the earnings gap is shrinking. Although many countries now recognise the importance of early childhood education in contributing to positive outcomes later in life, accessing early childhood education often still requires substantial private financial contributions that remain unaffordable for the poorest households.
Read the press release
domenica 20 ottobre 2024
ASSOCIATIONS, A PRECIOUS RESOURCE TO BE ENHANCED
The
“associative life” of ecclesial aggregations in the prism of Evangelii gaudium
Associations are a precious resource for the person and for society, therefore we must take care of them, with love, competence and constancy.
-by
Alberto Randazzo
The
complex times that Catholic associations are going through, also confirmed by
numerous studies of Sociology of Religion (such as those of Roberto Cipriani
and Franco Garelli), should not lead to complaints, pessimism, or
discouragement. However, it should not be underestimated and requires it to be,
once again, analyzed. This is certainly not the place to do so. With these few
pages, instead, we intend to gather, from the ever-current Evangelii gaudium of
Pope Francis (from now on, EG), some precious indications that seem to mark a
framework within which the ordinariness of the "associative life",
often tiring and full of obstacles, of ecclesial aggregations can be
experienced today.
In
the “change of era” (as the Pontiff defined it) that we are witnessing, there
is the idea that the associated laity and the entire Church are called to make
important choices. These choices cannot but start with a careful discernment of
what is essential, to concentrate on the latter and leave aside the
superfluous. It is not, in fact, the time to “embark” on numerous pastoral
initiatives that, although praiseworthy, are not always successful due to the
complexity of the life of those who should organize them and those who should
be their recipients.
The
Apostolic Exhortation now recalled, therefore, can indicate a path to follow,
offering valuable insights that we wish to share here.
Practical
suggestions from Evangelii gaudium
It
is necessary to start from the assumption that professing the faith in
association remains a precious way of evangelization and responsible
participation – in solidarity – “in the life and mission of the Church”
(Christifideles laici 29, but see also EG 29) for one’s own salvation and that
of others, constituting at the same time a means of contrasting individualism
(see EG 67) and clericalism (see EG 102), provided that it does not become an
occasion for spiritual worldliness on the part of individuals (EG 93 ff.).
Moreover, as we know, “no one is saved alone” (EG 113). To this we must add
that “it is in communion, even if it requires effort, that a charism is
revealed authentically and mysteriously fruitful” (EG 130).
In
this last regard and as a preliminary point, it is possible to specify that the
first concrete action that the individual realities are called to put into
practice is precisely that of rediscovering the charisma that is at the basis
of the associative identity. In fact, it is necessary to remain faithful to the
latter even with the appropriate adaptations and adjustments that the era in
which one operates requires. This certainly does not mean, as will be said
shortly, closing oneself in, but making that charisma available to all, for the
"common good" (1Cor 12, 4-11).
Be
bold and creative.
This
is why one of the essential commitments that associations and movements must
try to put into practice cannot but be aimed at countering the "logic of
'it has always been done this way'", which the Apostolic Exhortation in
question discusses (at n. 33); this, however, involves the ability to "be
bold and creative in this task of rethinking the objectives, structures, style
and methods of evangelization of one's communities" (again, EG 33; see
also EG 129). It appears necessary and urgent to open to novelty (and to those
who bring such novelty), certainly not to deny what has been done in the past,
but to update the associative dynamics to the times in which we live. On the
other hand, "every authentic evangelizing action is always 'new'" (EG
11). What has been said, however, must not allow the merely
"administrative" aspect to come before the pastoral one (see EG 63).
Reading
the signs of the times
Therefore,
a careful reading of the “signs of the times” is urgently needed (see EG 51),
which promotes a fruitful discernment, a verification of the associative style,
a sort of “examination of conscience” from which no one can withdraw. This
appears precious to grasp reality and measure the activity that is carried out
with the needs, but also with the limits and opportunities of this time. On the
other hand, Christians are called to live an “incarnated” faith, which cannot
be “intimist” (see EG 233, 262) but which must be fully immersed in the
complexity of “weekly life”, precisely because Christians, although not of
the world, are in the world (see Letter to Diognetus).
Indeed,
it is necessary to remember that “the reality is greater than the idea” (EG
231). This awareness, at times a little bitter, must spur lay associates to
abandon certain ideas, at first sight interesting and considered “winning,” to
come to terms with the “spatial” and “temporal” context in which they operate.
Many times, in fact, with “lay maturity,” it is appropriate not to persist in
wanting to pursue at all costs certain projects for the pursuit of which one
does not have the necessary strength. The choice (often, forced) of having to
make a careful selection of the initiatives to propose must not appear to be a
defeat. On the other hand, before building a tower, should one not calculate
whether one has the “means to complete it”? (cf. Lk 14, 28-33).
Intercepting
real questions
The
ability to read reality becomes in fact precious in order not to give answers
"to questions that no one asks" (EG 155). Unfortunately, however,
sometimes the impression one gets is that one is going "in vain", one
works hard but the results are poor and the appeal towards associations
has diminished (we will return to this point). Probably, however, the problem
is upstream, in that one does not have the ability to intercept the real
questions of today's men and women and instead it is necessary to do so,
because only in this way is it possible to try to provide the answers that are
truly of interest, going towards that existential search for God that - even
unconsciously - unites human beings (or the majority of them).
The
danger of self-reflexivity
There
is no doubt, then, that “associative life” must avoid self-referentiality.
Opening up to others (see EG 91 ff.), in a spirit of communion, with good
listening skills and the desire to collaborate fraternally, appears
fundamental. Being an “outgoing” Church (EG 20 ff.), in fact, also implies the
willingness to abandon, when necessary, one’s original personal determinations,
allowing oneself to be questioned by the points of view of others, often
different from one’s own.
What
has just been said requires the laity to refine themselves in the art of
dialogue (see EG 74, but also 238 ff.), both internally and with those who
profess another faith (EG 250 ff.), with atheists and agnostics and, in
general, with non-ecclesial associations (see EG 257). This necessarily
requires the good will to abandon forms of rigidity, assuming a capacity for
mediation, not free from parrhesia.
It
is necessary, therefore, to experiment with the art of inclusiveness and
welcome, in the awareness that "the joy of the Gospel is for all people;
it cannot exclude anyone" (EG 23). In fact, it is necessary not to fall
into the temptation of "closed" groups (as such, repulsive), which
are difficult to access.
Care,
proximity, consistency.
In
fact, “associative life” must be marked by the “healthy rhythm of proximity”
(EG 169), so that members are true “traveling companions” to those they meet on
their path (see EG 171 ff.).
Moreover,
considering the intrinsic “social dimension of evangelization” (EG 176 ff.), it
is appropriate to take into consideration socio-political commitment (see,
esp., EG 205), as an operational modality at the service of others and,
therefore, of the common good. The “concern for the poor and for social
justice” (EG 201) cannot but unite all lay faithful, both at an individual and
collective level (and, therefore, also, associated). For Francis, it is in fact
“important that ecclesial groups participate in public debate, that is, that
they ‘enter deeply into society’” (EG 269).
A
missionary creativity
To
achieve what is being said, however, a “missionary creativity” is needed (EG
28), which is a particular way of exercising charity, together with a vital
desire to leave something good after one's passage on earth (EG 183).
Missionary
work, in ways appropriate to the times, remains the urgency of ecclesial groups
and of the entire Church (and therefore also of parishes) (see EG 15). It
constitutes that essential, which was mentioned above and which we must strive
for (see EG 35).
At
the same time, however, one cannot help but point out how it is necessary to
recover the primacy of the purely spiritual aspect, which must be carefully
cared for (see EG 262) also by practicing missionary work (see EG 272); in many
cases, in fact, as Francis observes, activities (however few or many they may
be) are "lived badly" precisely because of a lack of that
spirituality which should be at their basis (see EG 82).
Continuous
training
Finally,
one cannot overlook the importance of formation, which must constitute a
specific area of commitment for the aggregations and a need to which the
ecclesiastical hierarchy should pay particular attention, supporting those
associative experiences that are already working in this direction (without,
clearly, ignoring the others). In fact, "the formation of the laity and
the evangelization of professional and intellectual categories represent an
important pastoral challenge" (EG 102, but see also 121, 160).
In
conclusion
Catholic
associationism is in crisis (or, at least, is in difficulty) because it is no
longer “contagious;” and yet, the Church grows (or should grow) “by attraction”
(EG 14). In this regard, we should ask ourselves if we are (and have been) able
to involve those who observe us from “outside.” As we know, “contemporary man
listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, […] or if he listens to
teachers, it is because they are witnesses,” as Paul VI prophetically said
(Evangelii nuntiandi, 41). Good testimony, moreover, is the best way to promote
associations.
Communion
in differences
One
cannot underestimate the sad internal conflict that is sometimes seen in
aggregations and that translates into a “counter-testimony.” Although, as the
Holy Father points out, conflict must be welcomed and accepted (as it is
typical of every human reality), at the same time, it cannot trap (see EG 226),
but must become a “link in a new process” (EG 227) through a “communion in
differences” (EG 228). The “conviviality of differences” that Don Tonino Bello
spoke about comes to mind, as well as the famous phrase that John XXIII
pronounced the evening before the opening of the Council, when he urged us to
consider what would unite rather than what would divide (he said: “to grasp
what unites us, to leave aside, if there is, something that can keep us in
difficulty a little”).
As
RA Livatino said, at the end of our life "no one will come to ask us how
much we have been believers, but credible"; are we? Our credibility, in
short, is based on the Love that we have been able to give and to give to each
other (the reference, obviously, is to St. John of the Cross).
The
patience of the sower
Furthermore,
in an age in which we are accustomed to having everything immediately, it is
necessary to cultivate the patience of the sower who knows that the fruits of
the work done will be harvested in time or by others (see EG 82 and 223). In
fact, even among many difficulties, it is necessary to nourish the certainty
that "in the midst of darkness something new always begins to bloom, which
sooner or later produces fruit" (EG 276).
In
fulfillment of the lay vocation (see EG 85), the fear of defeat – which is
often present and immobilizing – must be responded to with commitment, that is,
with a “creative and generous dedication” (EG 279) that is aimed at “initiating
processes” and not at “possessing spaces” (EG 223) to fill roles.
Synodality
Before
concluding, let me make a note: someone may have noticed that the term
“synodality” has never been used, not only because Evangelii gaudium does not
give it particular prominence, but also because this word is over-recited and
not practiced as much. While it is true that the Church is either synodal or
lacks a constitutive element, it seems preferable here to speak of “communion”
(cf. EG 23, 28, 31, but passim ); the latter, founded on the
co-responsibility of lay people, pastors and religious, must characterize the
way of being and operating of the Church. Only in this way is it possible,
truly, to “walk together;” even in this regard, however, there is still a long
way to go.
In
today's "associative life" there is no shortage of difficulties and
challenges that must be faced (see EG 75), but Pope Francis invites us not to
give up (EG 3) and reminds us that "challenges exist to be overcome"
(EG 109).
mercoledì 2 ottobre 2024
UNESCO - INFO RADAR
INFO RADAR is a newsletter published by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE), highlighting new major developments, events, publications and press articles regarding the Organization. This newsletter is intended for UNESCO staff and shared with Member States, and we are pleased to share it with our partner NGOs and foundations. We invite you to continue to follow our activities on UNESCO’s website and social media.
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L'INFO RADAR est
un bulletin d'information publié par la Division de la
communication et de la mobilisation du public (CPE), qui met en lumière
les nouveaux développements majeurs, les événements, les publications et les
articles de presse concernant l'Organisation. Ce bulletin est
destiné au personnel de l'UNESCO et partagé avec les États membres, et nous
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