SAN DIEGO — “Catholic teaching is rooted in the words and deeds of Jesus Christ, who revealed himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” said Pope Leo XIV in a message to the European Conference last Jan. 23.
But what is that rich treasure of teaching the Church has developed in the last 2,000 years? And how do we apply it to our modern world?
Bishop Michael Pham established a standing commission last spring to build awareness of the tenets of Catholic teaching and how they are being put into action at the diocesan and parish levels.
The Commission on Integral Human Development: The Dignity of Life from Womb to Tomb is co-chaired by Deacon Robert Ehnow, the director of the diocese’s Office for Life, Peace and Justice, and “Vino” Pajanor, CEO of Catholic Charities. The 19 members are a diverse mix of priests in leadership positions, diocesan directors and associate directors, religious women and ministry leaders.
The commission plans to promote the principles of Catholic teaching, such as the sacredness of all human life, the pursuit of justice and peace and the responsibility to care for the marginalized, and to highlight how the diocese, parishes and other Catholic organizations are bringing those principles to life in their work, projects and events.
Deacon Ehnow said the commission members used the synodal process of listening to one another and discerning a plan together. He said that fruits of their work would begin to come to light in the coming months, which will include a series of bilingual videos.
Treasure of Wisdom
Catholic teaching can be grouped into seven themes: Life and Dignity of the Human Person; A Call to Family, Community and Participation; Rights and Responsibilities; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers; Solidarity; and Care for God’s Creation.
