Jesus was born and raised in humble conditions and revealed the dignity of the needy and workers. Throughout his ministry, Jesus affirmed the value and dignity of all who are God’s image-bearers, regardless of their social status and external circumstances.
[Declaration Dignitas infinita on human dignity]
What is human dignity?
With the publication of the Declaration “Dignitas infinita“ on human dignity on 8 April 2024 by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Church has once again shown her maternal attention to the many problems that affect the dignity of the human being. This Declaration, in a certain sense, reinforces human dignity, which is often the victim of violence. As on other occasions, this Declaration has already generated diverse opinions among critics. For some, it comes at a time of misunderstandings about dignity on the legal and philosophical level, with practical implications for social life[1] . Others recognise that the Declaration reflects Pope Francis’ thinking on the infinite value of every human person, beyond all circumstances . [2]
Why is this Declaration important?
In addition, there are also themes such as poverty, the situation of migrants, violence against women, human trafficking, sexual abuse and war. These are issues that in a sense have caused a lot of damage to our humanity. And therefore call for concrete action. Recently, Pope Francis in his encyclical “Fratelli tutti” on fraternity, called for more attention to be paid to serious violations of human dignity. For that reason, he invites “everyone to defend it in every cultural context, at every moment of a person’s existence, regardless of any physical, psychological, social or even moral deficiency“. Recognising the inalienable character of human dignity, the Holy Father points out, is “a fundamental condition for our societies to be truly just, peaceful, healthy and, in short, authentically human“.
However, while some view the Declaration with hope, others consider it too idealistic. They point out that its application is almost impossible in the real world, where violations of human dignity are frequent and ethical challenges are complex. However, we cannot ignore that high ideals can serve as important guides for action and ethical reflection, and can inspire the efforts of so many men and women of goodwill to improve our society, often the victim of so many violations.
Dignity and Vincentian charism
Now, what does a Vincentian think of this Declaration? A Vincentian who reads, studies and meditates on this Declaration will immediately perceive its relationship with the Vincentian charism. Indeed, the Declaration relates to the Vincentian charism in its vision of human dignity and care for the poor and marginalised. In fact, the issues studied such as poverty, the situation of migrants and violence against women are central concerns of the Vincentian charism. Since the charism was born in the heart of St. Vincent de Paul and taken up by men and women today, it has always taken an active stance in the defence of human rights. Its struggle against violations has been constant. The commitment to social justice, creation, the defence of life, the care of the “common home” is an essential part of the Vincentian charism.
Moreover, you will notice that the insistence on upholding the inalienable dignity of every person manifested in the Declaration is not foreign to the Vincentian charism. In fact, the Vincentian charism has at all times been committed through its educational centres and inclusive formation programmes to promote awareness of human rights and dignity. It values and recognises the importance of political and social action in the struggle for human rights and does not limit itself exclusively to charitable assistance. The Declaration addresses human dignity “beyond all circumstances“, which resonates with the Vincentian mission to see the face of Christ in the poorest (cf. XI, 725). According to the Vincentian charism, the poor are sacraments of Christ’s presence. That is why “he who serves the poor, serves Jesus Christ“. For this reason, Vincentians serve the poor with respect, devotion, gentleness and cordiality, because they represent the person of Christ.
What is the aim of the Declaration?
One purpose of this Declaration is to reach out to positively influence the social and political sphere, promoting a Christian understanding of human dignity that has practical implications for social life. This is an aim that the Vincentian charism has taken on, committing itself to social and political transformation in defence of human rights. Currently, several members of the Vincentian Family are collaborating with organisations such as the United Nations (UN) to amplify their impact in the defence of human rights. There are many actions that reflect the Vincentian charism’s commitment to the promotion of human dignity and the fight against human rights violations. All these commitments, in a sense, are in continuity with its mission to serve the poorest and most marginalised.
From the Infinite Declaration to the Vincentian Mission
The Vincentian charism, in its essence, is in harmony with the Declaration “Dignitas infinita“. The work they do on behalf of the poor is aligned with the principles and calls to action present in that Declaration. Indeed, the value of “Dignitas infinita” reinforces the Vincentian Family’s commitment to the promotion of human dignity and social justice. It also challenges the Vincentian Family to find new responses to contemporary issues of human dignity. More than ever, the Vincentian Family is called to defend that value always and in every context, with an emphasis on the unborn, migrants and all whose rights are vulnerable[3] . It is an opportunity for our charism to innovate. That is, looking for innovative ways to serve and respond to the signs of the times. “Dignitas infinita” can serve as a call to revitalise the Vincentian charism.
In conclusion, it can be affirmed that the Vincentian charism and “Dignitas infinita” share a common vision of human dignity and a commitment to the poorest, the most vulnerable and the abandoned, seeking a more humane, just and charitable world. It is certainly valuable for a Vincentian to read this Declaration. It offers an understanding of the concept of the dignity of the human person within Christian anthropology, which is fundamental to understanding the Church’s vision of the intrinsic value of each individual[4] . Furthermore, the document highlights how human dignity has beneficial implications in the social, political and economic spheres[5] . The Declaration addresses issues that are topical and of great interest. Indeed, reading this document can contribute to the enrichment of faith. It can also strengthen the essential features of the Vincentian charism.
So, brave Vincentians, take and read the Declaration “Dignitas infinitas“. It “is strength, it is courage, it is power, it is nourishment; torch of thought, and spring of love“. (Rubén Darío).
F. Jean Rolex, CM
[1] Laferriere, J.N. (2024). The Declaration “Dignitas infinita” of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: context, objectives and some axes of reading. Retrieved from https://centrodebioetica.org.
[2] Digital Religion (2024). Human dignity is the basis of Pope Francis’ social humanism. Retrieved from https://www.religiondigital.org.
[3] Ibid,
[4] Declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith “Dignitas infinita” on human dignity. Retrieved from https://press.vatican.va/.
[5] Ibid,
