Anthropologia Cordis, Taubaté, Brazil
Friday, February 7
Today’s topic was to consider what are the three aspects of anthropology each group believes to be important for further reflection at a congregational level. In one sense, after a week of discussion, it would be easy for each language/regional grouping to find three things to agree on.
Interestingly, most groups believed that a true anthropologia cordis must be incardinated in each culture and context. The result is that multiple anthropologies and expressions of an anthropologia cordis are needed and are equally valid. Each situation is unique, each culture has different starting points, different needs, and as a result different anthropologies must be formulated. This should not be seen as a lack of unity. Rather, it is an expression of unity in diversity. The reality of the incardination of the gospel takes place when people have an experience of the good news in their own lives wherever they live.
As the entire conference met and discussed what each group said, there was still some commonality. Many of the participants referred back to the discussion on modern man’s lack of home, heart, and face. Each group found that a true anthropology rooted in the Heart of Christ must be an important part of our formation and our ministry.
The most common theme among all participants was the importance of the love of Christ being not an act of piety, but a concrete expression of care for the people among whom we minister. For me, this was the most important commonality. I believe the common theme that was suggested – but never named directly – is that the more we practice the love of Christ, making that love experienced, making that love tangible that we as a congregation truly build up the Kingdom of God in hearts and societies.
–Fr. David Szatkowski
