On 24 October 2024 Pope Francis offered Catholics and all men and women of good will a new encyclical, entitled “Dilexit nos” which translates as “he has loved us“. This encyclical focuses on the love of Jesus Christ, both divine and human, and how this love is the key to salvation and fullness of life.
As a good Jesuit, he reflects on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially in his 350th year of existence. His devotion to the Sacred Heart leads him to denounce consumerism, wars and a world that is “losing its heart“. Faced with such a situation, the Holy Father exhorts us to recover humanity, solidarity and love for our neighbour, with the love of the Heart of Christ. As a child of his time, he warns against the anti-human use of technology and stresses the need to cultivate an inner and religious sphere. To this end, he encourages all to perform works of charity and to care for the common home, reflecting the spirit of compassion and service .[1]
Certainly, many applauded the arrival of this encyclical; however, others believe that it has not brought important novelties[2] , since the main themes discussed in it have already been addressed in his three previous encyclicals (Laudato Si, 2015; Lumen Fidei, 2013; and Fratelli Tutti, 2020). But, according to others, the merit of this encyclical is its focus on going back to the heart[3] and reinforcing several themes already studied previously[4] . In reality, despite these criticisms, this encyclical can strengthen many aspects of the missionary and spiritual life of the faithful. For, if well studied and implemented, the encyclical has the potential to revitalise the faith and devotion of the faithful. It can lead the Church into a future full of love, unity and social commitment.
Now, does this encyclical have any connection with Vincentian values? The themes studied by Pope Francis are connected to Vincentian values. In fact, the Holy Father’s writings and Vincentian values share a focus on divine and human love. The Vincentian charism, founded by St. Vincent de Paul, places a strong emphasis on service to the poor and needy, inspired by the love of Christ. It was in the name of Jesus Christ that Vincent sought out the poor to serve them. He served the poor with respect, devotion, gentleness and cordiality, because they represented the person of Christ. Throughout his life, he sought at all times to imitate Christ as a servant and evangeliser of the poor, seeing Christ in each person in need. Therefore, he always sought to conform his conduct to the words and example of Jesus Christ (XI, 383).
Upon receiving this encyclical, how might a Vincentian apply its principles? A Vincentian can apply its principles in several ways, as doing so is a way of honouring St. Vincent de Paul and strengthening our Vincentian commitment to serving those most in need. This Jubilee year is an opportunity for Vincentians to deepen our Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From the earliest times, the Church has always meditated “on the side and the open Heart of Jesus, from which came blood and water”. For this reason, the Church does not hesitate to acknowledge and teach that from that Heart she was born and through that Heart the gates of Heaven were opened. Since then, we all have access to heaven. That is to say, we have access to an event. This event is the encounter with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In addition, Vincentians can follow the example of St. Vincent de Paul by dedicating themselves to the service of the poor and marginalised. This could include organising food drives, visiting the sick and elderly, and supporting people in vulnerable situations. They can also implement concrete actions to protect and care for the “common home”. This can include planting trees, recycling and promoting sustainable practices in the community. We cannot forget that an integral ecology is also made up of simple everyday gestures where we break the logic of violence, profiteering and selfishness[5] .
A Vincentian application of the principles of this encyclical could be to spread its messages among other members of the community, organising talks, workshops and meetings to explain and reflect on its teachings. It is also an invitation to practice the little way of love, not to miss the opportunity of a kind word, of a smile, of any small gesture that sows peace and friendship .[6]
Vincentians, let us honour St Vincent de Paul by studying and applying the principles of this encyclical.
By Jean Rolex, CM
[1] Francis (2024). Encyclical letter Dilexit Nos on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
[2] AICA (2024). Dilexit nos: Key to understanding the magisterium of Pope Francis. Retrieved from https://aica.org/.
[3] REL (2024). Dilexit Nos, encyclical to the Sacred Heart “from which all things are born”: a path of mutual acceptance and forgiveness. Retrieved from https://www.religionenlibertad.com/vaticano.
[4] Digital Religion (2024). These are the keys to ‘Dilexit nos’ (He loved us), the fourth letter of Bergoglio’s pontificate. Retrieved from https://www.religiondigital.org/.
[5] Francis (2015). Encyclical Letter Laudato Si on care for the common home. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.va/.
[6] Ibid,
