December 15, 2023
Dear Friends of CCBI,
Pope Francis – Caring for People
Addressing an Italian federation of health care workers in January, Pope Francis stated that health care is not a luxury, but a right that belongs to everyone. He reminded those gathered: “A world that rejects the sick, that does not assist those who cannot afford care, is a cynical world with no future. Let us always remember this: health care is not a luxury, it is for everyone.”
In an earlier talk at the Vatican in 2021, the Pope highlighted the need to involve the living context of mental health patients so that they do not lack the “warmth and affection of a community.” He added that health care workers themselves benefit from “the integral care of the person,” i.e., physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. He added that such care is not only a professional skill, but a mission that is accomplished when “scientific knowledge meets the fullness of humanity and is translated into the tenderness that knows how to approach and take others to heart.”
The Papal Visit to Mongolia, September 2023
During the visit, the Pope officiated at the opening a new facility, the House of Mercy, remarking,
Those two words contain a definition of the Church, which is called to be a home where all are welcome and can experience a higher love that stirs and moves the heart: the tender and provident love of the Father, who wants us to be brothers and sisters in his house.
Thanking volunteers for their generous and selfless service, the Pope emphasized that, in today’s world, welfare systems alone cannot provide all the services that are needed. He asked for even more volunteers and the charitable face they bring to the people with whom they share their time and talents. The Pope stated that true progress is only achieved when a nation shows “… its ability to provide for the health, education and integral development of its people.” He reminded all of us that:
Commitment for the sake of remuneration is not true love; only love can overcome selfishness and keep this world going. In this regard, I would like to conclude with an anecdote from the life of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. A journalist, seeing her bent over the foul-smelling sores of a sick person, once told her, “What you do is beautiful, but, personally, I wouldn’t do it even for a million dollars”. Mother Teresa replied, “I wouldn’t do it for a million dollars either. I do it for the love of God!”
Since September, NEWS has discussed many serious challenges that affect people physically and mentally, such as gender identity questions, euthanasia (MAID) for mental health, euthanasia in Catholic facilities, organ donation after MAID, and the opioid crisis. These issues affect all of society, socially, politically and spiritually. In light of the Pope’s statements calling us to a ‘higher love,’ what will our witness be in showing a more charitable attitude towards people directly affected, and in changing our own and perhaps even society’s attitude? Mother Teresa provides a perfect example: “I do it for the love of God!”
Bambi and I thank you for all your prayers and support, and for the many comments and information you have sent to CCBI. We’re listening!
We wish you peace during these last days of patient Advent ‘waiting,’ and we wish you the joy of the Incarnation when we celebrate our Saviour’s birth on Christmas Day!
Health care is a universal right, not a luxury, pope says | National Catholic Reporter (ncronline.org)
Message of the Holy Father to the participants in the second National Conference for Mental Health [Rome, 25-26 June 2021] (14 June 2021) | Francis (vatican.va)
Apostolic Journey to Mongolia: Meeting with Charity Workers and Inauguration of the House of Mercy (Ulaanbaatar, 4 September 2023) | Francis (vatican.va)
Pope Francis’ Intentions for December
For People with Disabilities
“Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation.”
Moira and Bambi