PANAMA CITY – Victims of violence, abuse, abortion, terrorism, natural disasters, human trafficking, forced migration and “many other signs of death and loneliness” were at the core of a Way of the Cross meditation led by Pope Francis on Friday in Panama’s coastal beltway with the ocean as the backdrop.In the face of such suffering, the pontiff held up the example of Mary.

“In Mary, we learn the strength to be able to say ‘yes’ to those who have refused to remain silent in the face of a culture of mistreatment and abuse, disparagement and aggression, and who work to provide opportunities and to create an atmosphere of safety and protection,” Francis said.

“In Mary, we learn how to welcome and take in all those abandoned, and forced to leave or lose their land, their roots, their families and their work,” he continued. “Like Mary, we want to be a Church that fosters a culture that welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates; that does not stigmatize, much less indulge in a senseless and irresponsible condemnation of every immigrant as a threat to society.”

The pope’s remarks came as he led young people in … more

Source: Pope says Mary’s the antidote to ‘culture of mistreatment and abuse’

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In the homily for the memorial of St. Peter Claver (Jesuit missionary priest, Sept 9, 2019), Fr. Alan talks about the need for solidarity, which flows from true charity: love of Christ and concern for neighbor, body and soul. Looking to St. Peter Claver, similar heroic virtue is needed today for the equally grave (or worse) social justice issues, such as human trafficking of children as sex slaves. The most effective approach to righting this wrong is through Christian solidarity.

The error of many today is to pursue a materialistic concept of social justice, while failing to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Tragically, this mentality has gained a foothold in the Church. A return to the true concept of Catholic solidarity is needed.

For documentation of the CRS problem, see Lepanto Institute’s extensive research, compiled here: https://www.lepantoin.org/crs/

Also see great work being done by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation: https://endsexualexploitation.org/, https://endsexualexploitation.org/cda/ and https://stoptraffickingdemand.com/

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Peter Claver – Opt Mem

Readings: Monday 23rd Week of Ordinary Time
1st: Col 1:24-2:3
Resp: Ps 62:6-7, 9
Gsp: Lk 6:6-11

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The post Against Human Trafficking: Solidarity, Charity, True Social Justice – Sep 09 – Homily – Fr Alan first appeared on AirMaria.com.