If there’s a place in the world where anyone, rich or poor, can feel welcomed without restrictions, it’s in a Catholic church. There, where material splendor is at the service of the glory of God and at everyone’s reach, one may calmly enjoy the splendor of the church better than anyone could at palaces or museums. In it, the Father’s arms reach out toward all, so that through artistic beauty and the magnificence of the liturgy, all might have the opportunity to elevate their hearts toward Him, with the holy liberty of the children of God. This is true alms for the poor, for, more important than anything else, they receive the words of eternal life without suffering discrimination. Obviously, as a loving mother, the Holy Church is also available to help in their material necessities. One dimension is inseparable from the other, and segregating either dimension would deform its deepest pastoral significance, as has been demonstrated in the history of the Church during the last two thousand years.
It is therefore beneficial to remember what the Magisterium teaches, so that we don’t allow ourselves to be deceived by persuasive affirmations that may appear poetic and even well-intentioned, but which in the end prove to be nothing more than cheap demagogy.
Francis
Teachings of the Magisterium
Enter the various parts of our study
I –Love of Christ is the Cause of Love for the Poor
II – Works of Charity according to the Church
III- Ecclesiastical Goods are Administered for the Glory of God
I – Love of Christ is the Cause of Love for the Poor
Sacred Scripture
Benedict XVI
John Paul II
Benedict XVI
II – Works of Charity according to the Church
John XXIII
Benedict XVI
John Paul II
Saint John Chrysostom
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
III- Ecclesiastical Goods are Administered for the Glory of God
Saint Francis of Assisi
John Paul II
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Lateran Council I (Ecumenical IX)
Urban V
John Paul II