5567(III)_Fostering Human Dignity

Missionary Message for the 11th of the month of February 2021

February 08, 2021

By Fr. Alfred Maravilla, SDB
General Councillor for Missions

RMG 10 February 2021 -- Today, respect for the human person in his or her uniqueness and fundamental rights is a shared value. For us this recognition is based not on political reason but on our faith that proclaims the human person as created in the image of God; and that “through the incarnation the Son of God has united himself in a certain way with every human” (Gaudium et Spes 22) even when that person is not aware of it. Thus, the human person with his daily life and experience, with his joy and toil is the way of the Church (Redemptor Hominis 14).

Therefore, it is in the light of our faith in Christ that we commit ourselves to the defence of the dignity and rights of every human person. Human rights are so fundamental that they can never be denied without endangering the very dignity of the person. This commitment of ours does not consist in working directly on the economic, technical or political level nor in making a material contribution to development. It consists essentially, rather, in educating consciences and in empowering people to defend their own rights and their human dignity.

Don Bosco promoted the dignity of his boys by educating them to be good Christians and honest citizens and by teaching them a trade. He was never afraid to defend their rights by demanding from their employers a labour contract that would guarantee them a fair wage and dignified working conditions.

Hence, living the missionary spirit of Don Bosco today implies our concrete commitment to foster human dignity and defend the rights of the young, poor and weak who live on the margins of society such as the homeless, refugees, foreigners especially those “invisible” because they do not even have the capacity to ask for help.

For Reflection and Sharing

§ Why do we foster human dignity?

§ How can we foster the dignity and rights of those who are now entrusted to our care?