Współczesne formy solidarności z ubogimi

Abstract

From the very beginning, the Roman Catholic Church supported the poor. At the basis of fundamental option for the poor there is the will of Christ who had unconditional love for the poor, the sick, the disabled and those people who needed spiritual and material support. Aid can be provided in many ways, paying attention to the effectiveness of its help. We know, however, that not every way is an actual aid. Helping can cause harm. That is why the Church teaches that there is a need for a new imagination of mercy as well as new forms of solidarity with the poor. In this article we focus on the geography of the poor’s world, looking for the answer to the question: what kind of new problems and challenges are arising as a result of contemporary material, cultural, moral and spiritual poverty? In what spirit should employees and volunteers of Caritas help? We refer to the three theological virtues presenting them as the foundation of Christian solidarity with the poor. Finally, we pay attention to the formation of religious attitudes of Caritas workers, to enable them to avoid effectively the danger of secularism. Therefore, we suggest taking into consideration new forms of solidarity with the poor.