32. BITESIZE CATECHISM: ST. POPE PIUS X & CHRISTIAN POLITICAL ACTION

APPETIZER:  In keeping with the social nature of human beings, the good of each individual is necessarily related to the common good. By common good is to be understood as social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily. The common good concerns the life of all. persons (unborn and born).  It consists of three essential elements:  First, the common good presupposes respect for the human person. Public authorities are bound to respect the fundamental and inalienable rights of the human person, their exercise of the natural freedoms indispensable for the development of the human vocation, to safeguard privacy, and give rightful freedom also in matters of religion.  Second, the common good requires the social well-being and development of the group itself. Certainly, it is the proper function of authority to arbitrate, in the name of the common good, between various particular interests; but it should make accessible to each what is needed to lead a truly human life: food, clothing, health,work, education and culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, and so on. Finally, the common good requires peace, that is, the stability and security of a just order. It presupposes that authority should ensure by morally acceptable means the security of society and its members. It is the basis of the right to legitimate personal and collective defense. The common good is founded on truth, built up in justice, and animated by love. (See CCC #1905-1912)

MAIN COURSE:  Joseph Sarto was born in Riese, Italy on June 2, 1835, the second of 10 children in a poor working-class family. Though poor, his parents valued education. Joseph walked 4 miles to school each day as well as studied Latin with the village priest in preparation for seminary studies. He was ordained a priest in 1858; then a bishop in 1879 and then the Cardinal Archbishop of Venice in 1893. On August 4, 1903, he was elected pope after much political controversy and several voting sessions.

Ever mindful of his humble origin, the new Pope, who took the name of Pius X stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp and extravagance of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by guards like Jesus when he was seized in the Garden of Gethsemane.”

In many ways, Pius X was a forerunner of a poorer and simpler papacy 100 years before Pope Francis began this reform. His humble origins became clear right after his election, when he wore a pectoral cross made of gold-finished metal instead of real gold. He was well known for cutting down on papal ceremonies. He also abolished the custom of the pope dining alone and invited his friends to eat with him. His mother was a good influence in this regard of keeping her son, Joseph, humbly mindful of his roots. It is said that when he became pope and extended his hand to her for her to kiss his papal ring (as was the custom at the time) she responded by extending her hand with her wedding ring on it saying, “If I did not have this ring, you would not have yours!” No word on if she ever did kiss her son’s ring!

On the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen it and it killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor spiritual children from this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks later, on August 20, 1914.  his liturgical feast day is celebrated on August 21.

He did so much for the life of the average everyday Catholic that he has become known as a "pope of the people". He promoted daily Holy Communion and lowered the age of First Communion to 6 or 7 years; he encouraged singing at Mass and asked parishioners to become more informed about the Liturgy; he supported the CCD religious ed programs and asked every parish in the world to have classes. 

But what I really want to focus on in our Bitesize Catechism this week is his insistence that Catholics become active participants in the political-social life of their nations and communities. 

Pope St. Pius X encouraged Catholics to become more politically savvy and involved.  He taught that we can best renew society and restore all things in Christ, by firmly grounding our political policies and exercising our voting rights in the light of the Gospel.  An important test that a Catholic can give themselves regarding his or her priorities between religion and politics is this: If a political platform conflicts with the teaching of Christ, do I stick with Christ or do I stick with my political party/policies?  If I choose politics over Jesus then I need to re-examine my faith-commitment and honestly ask myself if I am a disciple of Christ or not. 

DOGGIE-BAG: A little something to take away with you for spiritual snacking...

Prayer in Election Year

Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our nation and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW REGARDING FAITH & POLITICS...

4 Basic Principles for Catholic Political Action:

1. Have a well-formed Conscience, which we attain by reading, knowing the teachings of Christ and making decisions in the light of prayer.

2. Exercise the virtue of Prudence, which means choosing the best workable option among several choices.

3. Make Choices that Do Good and Avoid Evil - we keep in mind that the end result never justifies the means of getting there.

4. Make Positive Moral Choices - our decisions must reflect the truth that god reveals to us in Christ.  Religion is not just something for Sundays. For it to be a Faith that saves us it must have guide our social and political choices as well as our personal spiritual ones.

4 Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching:

1. The Dignity  and Life of the Human Person, from womb to tomb. Our political choices must promote and defend life from conception through natural death.

2. Subsidiarity which means that our politics and government should carry out most of its responsibilities at the most local level possible. In other words, it does not support "Big Government".

3. The Common Good - see the explanation for this in the Appetizer above.

4. Solidarity which means we stick together and help one another as brothers and sisters in the human family, with no room for discrimination or exclusion based on race, creed, economics, etc.

The U.S. Bishops also have produced a list of non-negotiable issues for Catholics:

• Standing up for Human life in all its stages and defending it against all attacks
• Promoting Peace, Law, Order and Justice
• Upholding the Dignity and Rights of Traditional Marriage and Family Life
• Safe-guarding Religious Freedom and Freedom of Conscience 
• Having a Preferential Option for the Poor and Seeking Economic Justice
• Understanding that Health Care and Education as basic human rights
• Balancing the two sides of Migration - the right for people to migrate and the right for host-nations to regulate this migration with mercy and in justice
• Caring for the Environment in a manner that respects human life and the common good
• Demanding Truth in Communications and Media

You can read more to inform yourself about faith and politics in this Election Year by going to the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops where you will find a plethora of materials and articles: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/church-teaching