Models of Social Justice

What is Social Justice? Catholic Teaching We must foster the Common Good We must care for the well being of all people in the world Preferential Option for the Poor

Dorothy Day Born in 1897 Women’s rights activist, anarchist, “bohemian”, writer, social rights activist, and protester Converted to Catholicism in 1927 – had her daughter baptized New York City Catholic Worker Houses of Hospitality Non violent protest

Dorothy Day Men are beginning to realize that they are not individuals but persons in society, that man alone is weak and adrift, that he must seek strength in common action. Didn't Jesus say that the poor would be with us always? "Yes," Day replied, "but we are not content that there should be so many of them

Oscar Romero Elected Archbishop of San Salvador during a civil war in the country Wanted to avoid conflicts A friend and fellow priest was killed for his work against the unjust government and he could no longer be silent

Oscar Romero Archbishop Romero spoke out against violence, terrorism, torture, and injustice Petitioned to the Pope and President Carter for help He was assassinated in 1980 while saying Mass

Oscar Romero “Aspire not to have more but to be more.” “Let us not tire of preaching love; it is the force that will overcome the world.”

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Born in 1910 Joined the Sisters of Loreto as a missionary Left the Sisters in order to serve the poor and was granted permission to found the Missionaries of Charity Began to care for the sick, homeless, lepers, opened AIDS hospices, and homes for the dying in India

Mother Teresa of Calcutta We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.