Talk story: Charity and the pursuit of justice

OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY

“Love — caritas — is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace … Justice is inseparable from charity.” (Pope Benedict XVI, “Caritas in Veritate”

Pope Francis began New Year’s Day 2023 with a prayer, deeply heartfelt worldwide, for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31: “Let us unite all together, with one heart and one soul, in giving thanks to God for the gift of this faithful servant of the Gospel and of the church.”

While the world continues to mourn the passing of the late pontiff, many are comforted and inspired by the deep insights of his many writings. Pope Benedict’s third papal letter, “Caritas in Veritas,” beautifully links the seamless connections between love, charity and the pursuit of justice, the common good and authentic human development: “To love someone is to desire that person’s good and to take effective steps to secure it. Besides the good of the individual, there is a good that is linked to living in society: the common good. It is the good of ‘all of us,’ made up of individuals, families and intermediate groups who together constitute society.”

Pope Benedict’s thoughts, words and actions will forever have a profound impact on the life of the church. One of his most memorable passages is about how charity coexists with justice: “If we love others with charity, then first of all, we are just towards them. … Justice is inseparable from charity and intrinsic to it. Charity demands justice: recognition and respect for the legitimate rights of individuals and people, charity transcends justice and completes it in the logic of giving and forgiving.”

Such insights were recently echoed in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace Jan. 17 at this year’s annual diocesan Red Mass, as politicians and parishioners gathered to ask for blessings on the new legislative session. The guest speaker, Rob Van Tassel, CEO and President of Catholic Charities Hawaii, quoted “Caritas in Veritate”: “Charity cannot take the place of justice that has been denied.”

Van Tassel shared the compelling story of charitable works connected with advocacy for justice by the Maryknoll missionary sisters establishing Catholic Charities Hawaii after World War II. “The sisters witnessed the struggles of immigrant workers and became strong advocates of plantation workers’ rights. Though humble, they were never silent. They worked with civic leaders to create legislation establishing fair wages, just working conditions and workforce housing.”

He recognized their efforts in exemplifying the ways charity and justice go hand in hand. “Just as 75 years ago, when the Maryknoll sisters fought for plantation workers’ rights, so do we advocate and work today for the right of every person to have safe and decent housing, a fair wage and access to health care.” In closing, he posed this challenge to all assembled: “Charitable acts are critical for the relief of suffering, but they have little effect on the political or economic status quo. Our bigger challenge is to recognize that justice requires political action. The cure is the act of reshaping social structures so that all members of society develop to their fullest human capacity.”

For more on Catholic Charities Hawaii’s services and advocacy efforts, please visit www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org.

Another inspiring model of charity who created a lasting impact on social structures is St. Marianne Cope, a sister of St. Francis who dedicated her life to charitable acts with the most vulnerable. Her healing legacy continues today through the St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, which celebrated her Jan. 23 feast day at the 10th annual St. Marianne Cope Walk and Wellness Fair. Hundreds turned out at Ala Moana Park for a morning blessing from Bishop Larry Silva and “healthy walk” to Kewalo Basin where they lay flowers and prayed at the saint’s bronze statue. The spirit of Jerry Correa, the CEO and President of St. Francis Healthcare who recently passed away, was present throughout the event. Jerry was devoted to St. Marianne, the Sisters of St. Francis and community service. He truly embodied the meaning of “Caritas in Veritate” and “walked the talk” by following in the footsteps of Hawaii’s saints as a witness to Jesus. Jerry’s presence continues to live on in the inspiring works of charity in a just healthcare system for all in Hawaii. For more on St. Francis Healthcare and ways to volunteer, visit their website www.stfrancishawaii.org.

May you remember and heed Pope Benedict’s call to charity which “opts for courageous engagement in the field of justice and peace.”

Mahalo,

Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry