Giving oneself is at the heart of being Christian, says Pope

May 19, 2012: The lay faithful, in the service of cultural action in solidarity with those in need and work, endeavor to promote human dignity. It is the daily commitment of the Catholic laity, and a sign of their belonging to Christ and the Church, both in private as well as public sphere of society. Their common denominator is the gift of oneself, said Pope Benedict XVI while addressing the combined meeting of three ecclesial organizations on Saturday.

The Ecclesial Movement of Cultural Engagement, the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Voluntary Service and the Movement of Christian Workers are three Italy based Catholic lay associations founded between 1932 and 1972. Their mission is to spread the Gospel through voluntary work which includes aiding those in need both in Italy and in other countries throughout the world, as well as defending human rights, promoting social justice and education.

Lay People’s involvement in school and university, aimed at the education of future generations, involves the gift of oneself by word and example. Volunteering, involves not so much the giving of things, but giving themselves in concrete help to the needy, added the Pontiff.

But for you all this has a particular connotation, Christian, the Pontiff told the Participants. Your action must be animated by charity, which arises from the love that comes from God.

In 2012 the Ecclesial Movement of Cultural Engagement celebrates 80 years while the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Voluntary Service and the Movement of Christian Workers turn 40.

Pope Benedict XVI gratefully acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor Pope Paul VI, to whom the three organizations owe much. It is he who, as National Assistant National supported the first steps of Catholic Action Movement in 1932, and, as Pope, he gave recognition to the Federation of Christian Organizations for Voluntary Service and started the Christian Workers Movement in 1972.