Those of us who work in the spirit of Joseph Cardijn, Leo XIII, and the core message of the Encyclicals, we see a vision in the new pope that resonates with our understanding of Joseph Cardijn's work and with those who embraced his mantra in their lives. Indeed, Pope Leo XIV is drawing global... Continue Reading →
Habemus Papam Socialis Iustitiae
We have a Social Justice Pope. What's in a Name? A Whole Bunch! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's decision to be known as Pope Leo XIV is not just a name change but a deliberate reference to the last Leo, who guided the Catholic Church during a challenging period and assisted in its transition into... Continue Reading →
A Tribute to Pope Francis by Julie Peller, Ph.D. Think Planet and People.
Green Junction The MaryKnoll Office of Global Concerns recently summarized the focus of Pope Francis’s work as “care for creation, justice for the poor with an emphasis on migrants and refugees, and the pursuit of peace.” Pope Francis was the one of the greatest voices for the natural world, which he beautifully noted as Our Common... Continue Reading →
Merton/Cardijn Option #4
For readers who are not very familiar with Joseph Cardijn, he was a Belgian priest and cardinal and the founder of the Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement, along with other movements focused on the Catholic Social Teachings. His ethical vision and pastoral practice are deeply connected to what modern theology calls the "fundamental option"—a concept in Christian ethics that... Continue Reading →
FUNDAMENTAL MERTON/CARDIJN OPTION #3
The concept of the fundamental option in ethics as a way of life is a profoundly significant theory. It emphasizes the basic orientation of an individual's moral life as a continuous and overarching commitment rather than a series of isolated actions—think of the whole versus the parts. Rooted in Christian theology, it seeks to explain how humans make profound... Continue Reading →
How did Joseph Cardijn exemplify the Rule of St. Benedict?
As historians, we constantly seek out the "documents" first. As John Tracy Ellis said, "No documents…no history." Documents come in many forms, including oral traditions, written materials like letters and poetry, art, and music. (On a side note, when studying scripture, consider the art of the period; you may be surprised.) When we study the... Continue Reading →
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