By Fr Soroj Mullick SDB –
Pope Francis has signed his “Social Encyclical” Fratelli tutti (FT 6) on 3rd October, 2020 in Assisi, with an urgent call to all men and women on earth to follow the example of Jesus. By addressing persons by the loveable words ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’, people of all caste, colour and creed, we wish to find a close bond with others beyond the blood relation.
In daily social living, strangers and neighbours are made into ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’. Christians too, win the hearts of people by addressing them with the same familiar words with love. They are expressions of family experience with close ties – words that all cultures and all times comprehend. They are evocative signs of solidarity which is inscribed at the heart of our common humanity. From the Biblical times and even earlier, history proved that to be close to others is to “experience the violence of Cain, the greed of Jacob, the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers” and yet human beings continued to love the ‘other’ who is not one of its kin.
The encyclical FT is Francis’ vision for a post-pandemic world. It brings together themes that Pope Francis has underscored in various contexts over the past years of his pontificate. This first-of-a-kind document embraces ‘brotherhood’ among different religions, and calls for religious freedom, condemning religious persecution. The Covid-19 pandemic proves that “no one can face life in isolation”. Therefore, certain ideals with some tangible ways are laid out in the FT for unitedly building a more just and fraternal world in daily relationships, in social life, politics and institutions etc. The time has truly come to “dream, then, as a single human family” of “brothers and sisters all” (FT 7-8).
Keeping the purpose of Francis’ writing of the Encyclical, i.e. solidarity, fraternity and social friendship among all brothers and sisters on earth, the author delves into a different reading of Fratelli tutti, while underlining the key points in the document, which is addressed to the entire Church, as well as to the whole world. With a particular key to understanding Pope Francis’ appeal to the world, the author elaborates on the real family bond of fraternity and the local community.
Taking the clue from Francis, this paper visions out an open heart, and how that has to be done in order to open itself to others in the world with love and concern, through social friendship, respecting the dignity of each person as brother and sister. This can enhance a universal fraternity, holding to human rights, and by fulfilling the societal responsibilities by all the stakeholders in the world. This needs to be done following the model of the Good Samaritan, through a better kind of politics that is at the service of the common good. In this context the Church as a whole has to fulfill its socio-political task following the paths of renewed encounter and forgiveness, and not just remain naïve.
Following the courageous yet fragile, bold but non-violent universal leaders: Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu, Mahatma Gandhi, Blessed Charles de Foucauld and Pope Francis himself, the present author confirms that the present world religious leaders will have to be “authentic mediators” in the name of human fraternity, through dialogue, common cooperation, mutual knowledge and respect. The world religious leaders will have to be at the service of enhancing universal brotherhood and unity, beyond all caste, creed and affiliations, thus establishing peace and justice through genuine inter-faith fraternal dialogue. The author invites all to co-create together a world that is built on love, forgiveness, justice, equality, and together inspire change of policies, practices, and behaviour at all levels.
Next Thursday: Keys to Understanding Fratelli Tutti: Fraternity and Social Friendship
Fr. Soroj Mullick, SDB is a Salesian priest from the Kolkata Province. He has a Licentiate in Catechetics and a Doctorate (Christian Education) from UPS, Italy. He has number of years of teaching experience in college and in the formation of future priests. Besides, he has written number of research papers and articles, and has 25 years of Ministry in India and abroad as Educator, Formator, Retreat Preacher, Editor and engaged in School, Parish Catechetical & Youth Ministry. He is now an assistant priest in Bandel Basilica, rendering pastoral and catechetical ministry to the parishioners and to the pilgrims. He can be contacted at [email protected].