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 →
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 →
Merton-Cardijn Option
"There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew." ~ Marshall McLuhan In 1965, Louis Monden, S.J., published “Sin, Liberty, and Law.” The book discusses various themes, including the meaning of freedom and determinism, the contrast between legal ethics and situational ethics, and the mystique of evil in society. It is a... Continue Reading →
Religion Matters: Do you really know your Religion?
Throughout my career, I have navigated the gap between teaching Religion and working in technology, concentrating on technology strategy discussions. Most of my teaching has focused on comparative religions, which I have taught at the high school, college, and adult continuing education levels. I've witnessed the transformative power of studying comparative Religion through my teaching.... Continue Reading →
Leo XIII and Catholic Black History
In the US, February is recognized as Black History Month. For us Catholics, it is essential to understand better the history of Black Catholics, the Church's role in maintaining segregation, and the prophets in history who have helped us as Catholics recognize that we are all God's people. Leo XIII's encyclical, Rerum Novarum, would... Continue Reading →
Is Leo XIII speaking to us? Are we listening?
One hundred thirty-four years ago, on May 15, 1891, Leo XIII gave Christians a timeless treasure: the renowned encyclical Rerum Novarum. This document, along with its successor Quadragesimo Anno by Pius XI, continues to shape the social doctrine within the Catholic Church, bridging the past and the present for all who seek to realize the Kingdom of God.... Continue Reading →
Hello Catholics! Do we really understand CST?
"The role of U.S. Catholicism as the leading ecclesial and theological hub for the path of the church in political modernity might be over." ~ Massimo Faggioli A new wave of understanding of Vatican II influenced conservative Catholicism in the United States. This trend does not bode well for Catholic Social Teachings. Catholic Social Teaching... Continue Reading →
How does Cardijn’s work meet the needs of today’s working class?
Joseph Cardijn's work has profoundly influenced modern social activism, particularly within the Catholic Church and beyond. Yet, in the US today, we see little understanding of the importance of social justice in the Church, and one has to wonder if it is even taught. Cardjin’s "See, Judge, Act" methodology has become a cornerstone for social... Continue Reading →
Theology: A Catalyst for World Change
When we ponder the essence of theology, we each bring our unique perspectives and personal encounters to the table. This individual connection is a profound aspect to consider. So let's take a look: Theology, on the one hand, is the systematic study of religious beliefs, concepts, and practices. At its core, theology examines questions about:... Continue Reading →
Innovate ~ Educate ~ Collaborate 
You must be logged in to post a comment.