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July 29, 2008 • 10:54 pm 0

Vatican Message to US Migration Congress

ZE08072805 – 2008-07-28Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-23358?l=english
“All Persons Are Equal, Well Beyond the Differences”
WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is the message Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, sent to the 2008 National Migration Conference, which is under way in Washington, D.C. through Thursday.
The theme of the conference, sponsored by the U.S. bishops, is “Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice.”
* * *
Your Eminences,Your Excellencies,Honorable Participants,Ladies and Gentlemen:You are gathered here for the 2008 National Migration Conference on the theme “Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice”, organized by the “Migration and Refugee Services” (USCCB/MRS) and co-sponsored by the “Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.” (CLINIC).
Being it impossible for me to be physically with you, I make myself present to you through this Message, happy to encourage and praise your annual effort and to wish you every success.
I believe it is important to underscore, with you and for you, first of all, the positive aspects of migration especially in the perspective of the pastoral care of the Church. After all, it is in this context that places itself the Instruction “Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi” (The Love of Christ Toward Migrants) of our Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, approved by the Servant of God John Paul II, on May 1st 2004, and published two days later. This document, viewing the migration phenomenon under a new light, states that “the cultural situation today, global and dynamic as it is, calls for the incarnation of the one faith in many cultures and thus represents an unprecedented challenge, a true kairòs for the whole People of God” (n. 34).
As a matter of fact, this condensed expression condenses a series of positive features, rising above the controversial and dark facets of migration, beginning with the observation that “the passage from monocultural to multicultural societies can be a sign of the living presence of God in history and in the community of mankind, for it offers a providential opportunity for the fulfillment of God’s plan for a universal communion” (n. 9).
Moving the focus from the phenomenon itself to the people going through migration, it must be recognized that “migrants, too, can be the hidden providential builders of such a universal fraternity together with many other brothers and sisters. They offer the Church the opportunity to realize more concretely its identity as communion and its missionary vocation” (n. 103). Therefore, broadening even more the scope of this vision, it continues: “Today’s migrations may be considered a call, albeit a mysterious one, to the Kingdom of God, already present in His Church which is its beginning (cf. LG 9), and an instrument of Providence to further the unity of the human family and peace” (n. 104).
The far-reaching vision of the Instruction, in the end, demonstrates that “the migration phenomenon, by bringing together persons of different nationalities, ethnic origins, and religions into contact, contributes to making the true face of the Church visible (cf. GS 92) and brings out the value of migrations from the point of view of ecumenism and missionary work and dialogue” (n. 38).
In fewer words, the way of thinking of the Church, expressed particularly through the “Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi,” urges Christians to react to the challenges of migration in a positive, decisive, convinced, and coordinated way. The migration phenomena, in fact, are not confronted only by means of a series of random good deeds (first welcome), that are only the first step towards planned interventions with a much larger scope. A simplistic vision of the difficulties must give way to a global vision of all the human experiences that enter into the confrontation, the dialogue, the enrichment, and the interchange between different peoples. The development of an approach that be intercultural, ecumenical, and inter-religious is absolutely necessary, it demands the converging of a great number of responsibilities and offers new opportunities, as the “Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi” observes: “The growing number of Christian immigrants not in full communion with the Catholic Church offers particular Churches new possibilities of living ecumenical fraternity in practical day-to-day life and of achieving greater reciprocal understanding between Churches and ecclesial Communities, something far from facile irenicism or proselytism” (n. 56).
In this context the pastoral concern of the Church shows a singular merging of strategies and contents, proposing a course that will respect and build on the person of the migrant: keeping in mind the structural character of migrations, it is then expedient also to develop a political action explicit and comprehensive, that does not turn the immigrant into the scapegoat for other social crucial issues, nor a threat to security and stability. Our Instruction clearly emphasizes this point: “the precarious situation of so many foreigners, which should arouse everyone’s solidarity, instead brings about fear in many, who feel that immigrants are a burden, regard them with suspicion and even consider them a danger and a threat. This often provokes manifestations of intolerance, xenophobia and racism” (EMCC n. 6).
The basis for the action of the Church, instead, is the affirmation that all persons are equal, well beyond the differences deriving from origin, language and culture, in the belief of the unity of the human family. The approach of the Catholic Church, therefore, affirms the central role and sacred character of the human being independently from his/ her regular or irregular legal status, most of all in cases of defenselessness and marginalization, taking also into due account the family. Not only, the Church is more and more convinced that making the most of the ethical-religious dimension of migration is the surest way to reach also other goals of high human and cultural value.
[The message continued in Spanish]Naturally there exists the need for a specific pastoral care, especially for the first and second generations of immigrants, which is laid out in “Erga Migrantes Caritas Cristi” (cf. Parts II, III and IV), under the responsibility of the local bishop, but in communication with the Church of the originating nation (cf. Ibid. No. 70). In this respect, even in the United States, a cordial reception of “Erga migrantes caritas Christi” is necessary, such as the reception in other countries.[Translation by ZENIT]
Finally, I am happy to encourage you to study and to delve into the migration issues that are on the agenda for these days, and in communion of prayer I extend my best wishes for the success of this very important happening.
Cardinal Renato Raffaele MartinoPresident of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant PeopleVatican City, July 16, 2008

Filed under: Migration, Social Doctrine, Social Justice

July 29, 2008 • 10:47 pm 0

Cardinal Looks at Role of Providence in Migration

ZE08072804 – 2008-07-28Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-23357?l=english

Says Phenomenon Helps Make Church’s Face Visible

WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The phenomenon of migration contributes to making the true face of the universal Church visible, says a Vatican official.

Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, affirmed this in a message sent to the 2008 National Migration Conference, sponsored by the U.S. bishops, and under way in Washington, D.C. The theme of the conference is “Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice.”

The cardinal began his message affirming the importance of underscoring the positive aspects of migration, “especially in the perspective of the pastoral care of the Church.”Referring to “Erga Migrantes Caritas Cristi,” a 2004 instruction from that pastoral council, the prelate said the document views the migration phenomenon under a new light.”

The passage from monocultural to multicultural societies can be a sign of the living presence of God in history and in the community of mankind, for it offers a providential opportunity for the fulfillment of God’s plan for a universal communion,” the cardinal cited.He added: “Moving the focus from the phenomenon itself to the people going through migration, it must be recognized that ‘migrants, too, can be the hidden providential builders of such a universal fraternity together with many other brothers and sisters.

They offer the Church the opportunity to realize more concretely its identity as communion and its missionary vocation.'”Therefore, broadening even more the scope of this vision, it continues: ‘Today’s migrations may be considered a call, albeit a mysterious one, to the Kingdom of God, already present in his Church, which is its beginning, and an instrument of Providence to further the unity of the human family and peace.'”

The pontifical council instruction, Cardinal Martino affirmed, “demonstrates that ‘the migration phenomenon, by bringing together persons of different nationalities, ethnic origins, and religions into contact, contributes to making the true face of the Church visible and brings out the value of migrations from the point of view of ecumenism and missionary work and dialogue.'”

Christian reactionThe Vatican official’s message went on to consider the Church’s call to Christians in the face of the migration phenomenon.”A simplistic vision of the difficulties must give way to a global vision of all the human experiences that enter into the confrontation, the dialogue, the enrichment, and the interchange between different peoples,” he said. “

The development of an approach that be intercultural, ecumenical, and interreligious is absolutely necessary, it demands the converging of a great number of responsibilities and offers new opportunities.”

The cardinal added that it is “expedient also to develop a political action explicit and comprehensive, that does not turn the immigrant into the scapegoat for other social crucial issues, nor a threat to security and stability.”Again citing “Erga Migrantes Caritas Cristi,” he said, “

The precarious situation of so many foreigners, which should arouse everyone’s solidarity, instead brings about fear in many, who feel that immigrants are a burden, regard them with suspicion and even consider them a danger and a threat. This often provokes manifestations of intolerance, xenophobia and racism.”

“The basis for the action of the Church, instead, is the affirmation that all persons are equal, well beyond the differences deriving from origin, language and culture, in the belief of the unity of the human family,” the cardinal affirmed.

“The approach of the Catholic Church, therefore, affirms the central role and sacred character of the human being independently from his or her regular or irregular legal status, most of all in cases of defenselessness and marginalization, taking also into due account the family. Not only, the Church is more and more convinced that making the most of the ethical-religious dimension of migration is the surest way to reach also other goals of high human and cultural value.”

— —- —On the Net:Erga Migrantes Caritas Cristi: www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/migrants/documents/rc_pc_migrants_doc_20040514_erga-migrantes-caritas-christi_en.html

Filed under: Migration, Social Doctrine

July 15, 2008 • 4:16 pm 0

Pope Benedict XVI Message on Water

WATER: AN ESSENTIAL GOOD GIVEN BY GOD TO MAINTAIN LIFE

VATICAN CITY, 15 JULY 2008 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father’s message to Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, representative of the Holy See for the “Day of the Holy See” at the International Expo of Saragossa (Spain), was made public. The message, written in Spanish, is dated 10 July.

“I am pleased to send a message of faith and hope”, the Pope writes, “to those who are visiting the 2008 Saragossa Expo dedicated to the complex themes tied to the importance of water for human life and the maintenance of equilibrium among the diverse elements of our world. The Holy See wanted to be present at the Expo with a pavilion that was jointly prepared with the archdiocese of Saragossa, which I thank for their generous commitment to promoting proper cultural initiatives that draw the visitor closer to the immense patrimony of spirituality, art, and social wisdom that is inspired by water and which has been safeguarded by the Catholic Church”.
“We have to be aware that, regrettably, water – an essential and indispensible good that the Lord has given us to maintain and develop life -, because of incursions and pressures from various social factors, is today considered a good that must be especially protected through clear national and international policies and used according to sensible criteria of solidarity and responsibility. The use of water – which is seen as a universal and inalienable right – is related to the growing and urgent needs of those living in poverty, keeping in mind that the ‘limited access to drinkable water affects the wellbeing of an enormous number of people and is frequently the cause of illness, suffering, conflict, poverty, and also death'”.

“Those who consider water today to be a predominantly material good”, the Pope concludes, “should not forget the religious meanings that believers, and Christianity above all, have developed from it, giving it great value as a precious immaterial good that always enriches human life on this earth. How can we not recall in this circumstance the suggestive message that comes to us from Sacred Scripture, which treats water as a symbol of purification and life? The full recovery of this spiritual dimension is ensured and presupposed for a proper approach to the ethical, political, and economic problems that affect the complex management of water on the part of all concerned, as well as in the national and international spheres”.
MESS/EXPO SARAGOSSA/MARTINO VIS 080715 (410)

Filed under: Papal Teachings, Social Doctrine

July 11, 2008 • 1:13 am 0

Caritas Laments G-8’s Lack of Fresh Leadership

Says Failure to Meet Millennium Goals a Scandal

ROME, JULY 9, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- The Caritas representative at the Group of Eight meeting in Japan lamented that the results of the summit were a stalemate and a repetition of the same failing promises.

Joseph Donnelly, who is the head of the Caritas delegation at the United Nations in New York, gave a bleak evaluation of the G-8 meeting that ended today.

“The outcomes of the 2008 G-8 are stalemate on climate change and a broken record on aid for Africa,” he said. “The world was looking for fresh leadership, but instead got Groundhog Day.”

The leaders promised to uphold previous pledges made at the 2005 G-8 summit on increased levels of aid, but did not define the concrete steps to fulfill the promises, Caritas reported. Three years into the G-8’s five-year plan on increasing overseas aid to $50 billion a year, only a fifth of the money has been delivered.

“Reheated commitments on aid that we’re still waiting to see fulfilled three years later will not deliver food, education, clean water, and health to the poorest people,” Donnelly said. “The tragedy is that we can show the massive improvements that have been made in developing countries with the little amounts of aid that have been delivered. The G-8 countries can afford to deliver on their aid pledges so it will be a scandal if the Millennium Development Goals fail to be reached because of lack of financing.”

Climate change

Caritas also lamented the results of the summit discussion on climate change.

“G-8 leaders needed to end the inertia on carbon emissions, instead they repeated in 2008 what was said 16 years ago at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio,” Donnelly said. “It’s a plan for inertia in which the poor are paying the cost now on behalf of the rich countries who are responsible, but in which the whole world will eventually foot the bill of an increasingly hostile climate.”

The G-8 includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

Filed under: Caritas, Social Doctrine, Social Justice

July 3, 2008 • 6:53 pm 0

Holy See on Global Food Crisis

ZE08070305 – 2008-07-03
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-23097?l=english

“World Spends $1.3 Trillion in Armaments; Lifesaving Funds Are Unavailable”

NEW YORK, JULY 3, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, gave Wednesday at the general debate of the U.N. Economic and Social Council Substantive Session for 2008.

* * *

Mr. President,

This year’s High-Level Segment calls world leaders to reflect upon the progress made in achieving the United Nations development agenda and the urgency to address the developmental needs of rural communities. The ongoing food crisis, as well as the economic downturn in some developed countries, highlights the importance and relevance of our theme.

The food crisis has impacted all societies. In some places it manifests itself in scarcity of food with consequent malnourishment and starvation; in others it appears in the form of higher prices for families trying to provide for their basic needs. Despite its different manifestations, it stems from a series of concomitant causes: shortsighted economic, agricultural and energy policies, which cause a clash between the increasing demand for food and insufficient production of food, and the increase in financial speculations on commodities, the uncontrollable rise of oil prices and adverse climate conditions.

While today’s debate will appropriately focus on the structural defects of the world economy and on the causes of the emergency, we must work to ensure that this discussion is accompanied by immediate and effective action. Failure to do so will deem our meeting as a mere rhetorical exercise and avoidance of responsibilities.

Mr. President,

While this year marks the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, the worldwide food crisis threatens the attainment of the primary right of every person to be free from starvation. In this light, the Resolution on the Right to Food, recently adopted by the Human Rights Council, emphasizes correctly the obligation of States, with the assistance of the international community, to make every effort to meet the food needs of their populations through measures which respect human rights and the rule of law.

At the outset, action must be taken to assist those suffering from malnutrition and starvation. It is difficult to think that, in a world which spends over 1.3 trillion dollars each year in armaments, life-saving funds to help people in need are unavailable. A sincere will to tackle the issue must be accompanied by the necessary action, not simply words and intentions.

Going forward, the initial economic emergency aid must be accompanied by a concerted effort on the part of all to invest in long-term and sustainable agriculture programs at the local and international levels. The last twenty-five years have seen considerable progress in reducing the number of people living in extreme poverty. Unless we reinvest in agriculture, however, the progress that has been achieved through hard work and dedication risks being lost. To this end, agrarian reforms in developing countries must be sped up in order to give small-holder farmers the tools for increasing production in a sustainable manner as well as access to local and global markets.

Moreover, agricultural and environmental policies must walk the path of reason and reality in order to balance the need for food production with the need to be good stewards of the earth. The current food scarcity reemphasizes the urgency to explore new energy supplies which do not pit the right to food against other needs.

My delegation welcomes the recommendations of the recent High-level Conference on World Food Security held in Rome at the FAO. They offer a practical guide on how to deal with the short and long term consequences of the food crisis and give guidance on how to prevent it from recurring in the future.

Mr. President,

The twentieth century suffered in a tragic way from the effects of people and governments looking only within their national borders and from lack of consultation and multilateral cooperation. The present crisis is an opportunity for the global community to come together and take responsibility for our neighbor.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Filed under: Papal Teachings, Social Doctrine, Social Justice

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