Cardinal Sarah: Charity must be linked to evangelization
July 15, 2011
Writing for L’Osservatore Romano on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Cardinal Robert Sarah emphasized the link between evangelization and charity.
The cardinal, who has led the pontifical council since 2010, stated that “it is significant that Paul VI had already anticipated some of the misunderstandings which might threaten a correct understanding of charity in the Church and which unfortunately were verified: the witness of charity finds its measure in Christ; the search for justice does not exhaust the duty of charity; preaching of the Gospel, which is not proselytism, is an integral part of charitable activity.”
“On November 28, 1978, just a few months after his election, John Paul II met the dicastery for the first time,” the Guinea-born prelate added. “It is significant that at that encounter he wanted to reiterate the link between the Gospel and charity: ‘We must also take care to set advancement carefully in the context of evangelization, which is the fullness of human advancement, since it proclaims and offers man's full salvation.’”
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Further information:
- On July 15, 40 years ago, Paul VI instituted the Pontifical Council Cor Unum (L’Osservatore Romano)
- Cardinal tells Caritas: Christian charity goes beyond mere philanthropy (CWN, 5/26)
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Posted by: Antigone -
Jul. 16, 2011 7:26 PM ET USA
Wonderful news! Now if only someone would deliver the memo to Catholic Charities and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development!
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Posted by: koinonia -
Jul. 16, 2011 8:14 AM ET USA
Very encouraging. There is no peace without Christ and his Gospel message of salvation. "The witness of charity finds its measure in Christ." Amen.
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Posted by: spledant7672 -
Jul. 15, 2011 2:17 PM ET USA
"'We must also take care to set advancement carefully in the context of evangelization, which is the fullness of human advancement, since it proclaims and offers man's full salvation.’” I become more alive and grow in strength with every faithful change in the Church. Leadership always matters but it has never seemed to matter more to me. Thank God for John Paul II and Benedict XVI; Glory to Jesus Christ.
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Posted by: ILM -
Jul. 15, 2011 12:36 PM ET USA
Wonderful message for the Church today.
