Report from Rome: CMMB and the Dicastery of Integrated Human Development
In all her being and actions, the Church is called to promote the integral development of the human person in the light of the Gospel. – Pope Francis
I recently had the honor to attend a private meeting and mass in Rome, celebrated by Archbishop Silvano Maria Tomasi, who serves as the Secretary for the Dicastery of Integrated Human Development at the Vatican. The Dicastery was formed by Pope Francis in January 2017.
In an apolostolic letter, issued “moto proprio” by Pope Francis, the pontiff described the creation of the Dicastry for Promoting Integral Human Development this way:
In all her being and actions, the Church is called to promote the integral development of the human person in the light of the Gospel. This development takes place by attending to the inestimable goods of justice, peace, and the care of creation. The Successor of the Apostle Peter, in his work of affirming these values, is continuously adapting the institutions which collaborate with him, so that they may better meet the needs of the men and women whom they are called to serve.
Young girl carries her brother in Kenya.
Pope Francis also highlighted the Dicastry’s role to be “competent particularly in issues regarding migrants, those in need, the sick, the excluded and marginalized, the imprisoned and the unemployed, as well as victims of armed conflict, natural disasters, and all forms of slavery and torture.”
Margery and her son in South Sudan.
The Dicastery is in the process of implementation and is meeting with key Catholic leaders from around the world for its review of partnerships and collaborations. The mass, which was celebrated in the Irish Chapel of St. Columbanus, in the sacred crypt of Saint Peter beneath the altar at Saint Peter Basilica in Rome, was part of CMMB’s recent visit to the Vatican, in partnership with Cross International. Cross International is one of our key partners to support delivery of medicine and supplies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Archbishop Silviano Tomasi delivers a homily during the mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Adrian Kerrigan, SVP for Partnerships at CMMB with members of the Cross International delegation and Cardinal Turkson.
Throughout our work at CMMB, we see firsthand women and children around the world who too often become the most vulnerable. They are often denied justice, peace, and the proper care that all people are called to receive. Through our work to relive suffering due to the famine in South Sudan (related in large part to the conflict that has plagued the country) or through emergency response efforts in Haiti and Peru, we are witnesses to the immense, critical needs of women and children who suffer due to circumstances largely out of their control. Firm in our faith, and in solidarity with the Dicastery of Integrated Human Development, I encourage everyone to pray for the grace to follow the call to alleviate the suffering of each individual.
Cardinal Turkson and members of the Dicastery.
CMMB is honored to work in partnership with the Dicastery, led by Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, to carry out its mission to provide Healthier Lives Worldwide. We are humbled to have had the privilege of this special meeting in Rome.