“Development is the new name for peace”. These prophetic words that Pope Paul VI proclaimed exactly 40 years ago re-echoed in 2007 in the Middle East, where peace is an urgent need and where development does not yet reach everyone.
On March 19, 2007, on the occasion of the solemnity of St. Joseph, model of Christian worker, the “SS Peter and Paul” Salesian Study Centre of Jerusalem (Studium Theologicum Salesianum), also known as Ratisbonne organized in Jerusalem a public lecture to commemorate the 40th anniversary of one of the most significant papal documents on social and economic life: the encyclical Populorum Progressio, issued on March 26, 1967.
The Encyclical was presented from three points of view.
Father Michele Ferrero, sdb, professor of Social Moral Theology at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, illustrated the connection between history and ecclesiology and through the use of a power point presentation brought the audience to a better understanding of the Social Doctrine of the Church as an answer to practical historical problems.
Prof. Mustafa Abu Sway, lecturer in Islamic Studies at Al-Quds University of Jerusalem, showed the relevance for the Middle East of the prophetic words of Pope Paul VI, who 40 years ago insisted on the connection between development and peace. Prof. Abu Sway insisted also on demography and the importance of family bonds according to nature, a theme much dear today to both Christians and Muslims.
Dr. Francisco Capote Yeregui, Vice-consul of Spain in Jerusalem, gave his reflection on the political and diplomatic implications of the social teaching of Populorum Progressio. In particular he stressed the importance of international institutions like United Nations, which Pope Paul VI very much praised in his letter, and the complexity of the political choices between international trade and respect for an authentic development of every human person. The lecture took place in the auditorium of the Franciscan Terra Sancta College, in Keren Hayesod Street, thanks also to the generous availability of Father Vincenzo Ianniello OFM. The hall, newly refurbished, welcomed about 100 people, which included the Salesian students of Ratisbonne, some Salesian sisters from the Progetto Gerusalemme, some Benedictine friends and other religious and lay people.
Also present were Dr. Izzo, Cultural Attaché of the Italian Embassy of Tel Aviv, and a TV crew of the Canção Nova media centre of Bethlehem, a Brasilian catholic group specialized in media production.
During the lectures, moderated and guided by the Principal of the Salesian Centre, Fr. Roberto Spataro, a special message from the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Franco was read. The message contained a congratulatory letter from Pope Benedict XVI, in which the Holy Father, through the Secretary of State Card. Bertone, expressed his best wishes for the success of the event and the hope that also this lecture on Populorum Progressio might contribute to the ongoing efforts for peace in the Middle East. Msg. Franco added his own wishes: a sign of esteem and support for the initiative, very much appreciated by all those present.
On March 19, 2007, on the occasion of the solemnity of St. Joseph, model of Christian worker, the “SS Peter and Paul” Salesian Study Centre of Jerusalem (Studium Theologicum Salesianum), also known as Ratisbonne organized in Jerusalem a public lecture to commemorate the 40th anniversary of one of the most significant papal documents on social and economic life: the encyclical Populorum Progressio, issued on March 26, 1967.
The Encyclical was presented from three points of view.
Father Michele Ferrero, sdb, professor of Social Moral Theology at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, illustrated the connection between history and ecclesiology and through the use of a power point presentation brought the audience to a better understanding of the Social Doctrine of the Church as an answer to practical historical problems.
Prof. Mustafa Abu Sway, lecturer in Islamic Studies at Al-Quds University of Jerusalem, showed the relevance for the Middle East of the prophetic words of Pope Paul VI, who 40 years ago insisted on the connection between development and peace. Prof. Abu Sway insisted also on demography and the importance of family bonds according to nature, a theme much dear today to both Christians and Muslims.
Dr. Francisco Capote Yeregui, Vice-consul of Spain in Jerusalem, gave his reflection on the political and diplomatic implications of the social teaching of Populorum Progressio. In particular he stressed the importance of international institutions like United Nations, which Pope Paul VI very much praised in his letter, and the complexity of the political choices between international trade and respect for an authentic development of every human person. The lecture took place in the auditorium of the Franciscan Terra Sancta College, in Keren Hayesod Street, thanks also to the generous availability of Father Vincenzo Ianniello OFM. The hall, newly refurbished, welcomed about 100 people, which included the Salesian students of Ratisbonne, some Salesian sisters from the Progetto Gerusalemme, some Benedictine friends and other religious and lay people.
Also present were Dr. Izzo, Cultural Attaché of the Italian Embassy of Tel Aviv, and a TV crew of the Canção Nova media centre of Bethlehem, a Brasilian catholic group specialized in media production.
During the lectures, moderated and guided by the Principal of the Salesian Centre, Fr. Roberto Spataro, a special message from the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Franco was read. The message contained a congratulatory letter from Pope Benedict XVI, in which the Holy Father, through the Secretary of State Card. Bertone, expressed his best wishes for the success of the event and the hope that also this lecture on Populorum Progressio might contribute to the ongoing efforts for peace in the Middle East. Msg. Franco added his own wishes: a sign of esteem and support for the initiative, very much appreciated by all those present.