Pope Pius XII on What the Poor Need from Us

From an essay titled Where Are The Poor by Dorothy Day, posted at The ChesterBelloc Mandate (which has just a ton of good reading, by the way);

'We cannot conclude without mentioning that the very best charitable organization would not suffice of itself alone to assist those in need. Personal action must intervene, full of solicitude, anxious to overcome the distance between helper and helped, drawing near to the poor because he is Christ's brother and our own.

The great temptation in an age which calls itself social--when besides the Church, the state, the municipality and other public bodies devote themselves so much to social problems--is that when the poor man knocks on the door, people, even believers will just send him away to an agency or social center, to an organization, thinking that their personal obligation has been sufficiently fulfilled by their contributions in taxes or voluntary gifts to those institutions."

The poor don't very much need to stand in line at a drab, soulless, fluorescent-lit government office and pick up a check. They need money, yes, but it would do worlds more good if this help came through a friend. This is how we help the poor - not by inventing this or that new program, but by making poor friends. Not by being concerned about "the poor", but by showing concern for a poor person. This is probably the only truly effective way of doing missions, too... by making friends - true friends - of unbelievers, whether here or in some distant country.

Comments

[Aramis]

Tim,

At first I saw the quote in your post above and thought that it came from Dorothy Day herself, however going to the link I see that it comes from Pope Pius XII who Dorothy quotes.

If we were convinced of the need, if our consciences were aroused, how much could we not do, even those of most modest income, in the way of helping the poor. We must reprint, and read again and again the words of Pope Pius XII, who cried out two years ago in a most noble encyclical, Christmas 1952.

[Tim J.]

Right you are, Aramis. Thanks. I lifted the quote from the article, but at the time I lifted it, I don't believe it was (style-wise) treated as a quote in the article. I see they have it in block quote format, now.

It does read very "papal" doesn't it? I'll correct the headline.

Now I'm anxious to read more from Pius XII.

[Aramis]

Dear Tim,

I have spent some time today searching this quote to verify it came from Pope Pius XII and then to send it out to others, however I have been unable to find it. I have not checked with nor do I see where I can comment to post on The ChesterBelloc Mandate. If you have better success please let me know.

[Tim J.]

Hmmm...

I guess I should be a little more diligent in my attributions.

For now, I'll leave it the way it is. Thanks for the leg work. If I find out anything, you'll be the first to know.