there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice
is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the
desire to do good fades” (Evangelii Gaudium, 2).
Catholic social teaching is rooted in the prophetic tradition of Israel,
in the words and actions of Jesus, who showed a shepherd’s care for
all, especially for the lost and the downtrodden, and in the awareness
that even as we look to a heavenly city we are nevertheless citizens
of this earth and of human societies, and therefore obligated to act
justly and compassionately.
In the Issue
Catholic social teaching was integral to the new relationship between
church and world defined by the bishops of Vatican II. Present in many
council documents, our particular lens in this issue of Emmanuel is
Dignitatis Humanae and its conviction that the rights, dignity, and
duties of the human person flow from his or her relationship to God.
I suggest you start with Lisa Marie Belz, OSU’s excellent article and
then move to Robert S. Pelton, CSC’s reflection on the Chilean
church’s experience of the council and its continuing challenges for
the Catholic Church in that country today.
On February 3, Pope Francis signed a decree declaring Salvadoran
Archbishop Oscar Romero a martyr for the faith and a witness to
gospel principles of justice and reconciliation. Victor Parachin has
penned a moving tribute to this humble man who sought to be the
voice of the voiceless in a time of great suffering for his people. He
died at the altar while celebrating Mass.
In Eucharistic Teachings, Dennis Billy, CSsR, introduces us to the
Dominican friar, priest, and theologian Yves Congar. You will also find
scriptural reflections for homiletic preparation and personal prayer as
well as poetry and reviews, etc., in the Eucharist & Culture section.
Anthony Schueller, SSS
Editor
207