P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
|
INTENTION : |
That orphans may not lack the care necessary for their human and Christian formation.
|
Orphans are the innocent victims when death or human wickedness tear children from their parents. They are then exposed not only to poverty and misery, but also to injustice and oppression. The Law and the Prophets were concerned over their fate and defended them against injustice. They launched appeals and established rules in their favour (Deut. 24:19) for they represented the poorest and most deprived of people especially in terms of food, education and religious formation.
The deprivation of so many children from rich families is that they lack nothing except the affectionate presence of their parents. Preoccupied with earning enough money and thinking that money brings happiness, parents give their children everything except their presence. Do orphans receive this first and indispensable human nourishment? Children need a place to feel loved and respected. The family, schools and social environment are the three inseparable factors, which help to sustain children's integral development. Where else can they receive this triple support to integrally develop their humanity?
Purely secular societies often deny the human and religious dimension of persons. Orphans also need a true religious formation to attain full equilibrium. How can the Church take care of their Christian formation?
|
|
