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May 2010
On Workers’ Day, many of us with a sense of history and justice remember with respect those in the trade union movement worldwide who have struggled for ‘just wages’, better working conditions and – in places like South Africa – for political rights for those not born into the ‘right’ (i.e. upper) social class or with the ‘right’ (male) gender or (white) skin colour. At least since the Papal encyclical Rerum Novarum [Of New Things] in 1891, the Church has been commendably on the side of these good causes.
But what is the meaning of labour today? In many ways we are left in a state of confusion in an age where globalization and a whole new attitude to work has shifted what many of us consider both normal and morally just. In his last encyclical, Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict implicitly accepted that change has happened: he acknowledges that today both partners in a family have to work. The notion of a ‘family wage’ earned by the husband is past.
Our guest speaker will be Fr Gerry O’Collins SJ, who has taught hundreds of priests and dozens of bishops as well as being a writer/editor of over 50 books and, for more than 30 years has been Professor at the Gregorian University, Rome.
The dates and locations are:
Gauteng: Mazenod Centre, Germiston Tues 20th -Thurs 22nd July (from 09h30-15h00)
Bloemfontein: Donovan Hall (Cathedral) Tues 27th -Thurs 29th July (from 09h30-15h30)
Cape Town: Schoenstatt, Constantia Tues 3rd-Thurs 5th August (from 09h30-15h00)
Durban: Glenmore Pastoral Centre Tues 10th -Thurs 12th August (from 09h30-15h00)
Priests, ministers, religious and lay people are welcome to attend the course which runs during the day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
The relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux are coming to South Africa in June. If other countries are anything to go by, they will attract thousands of visitors, from devotees of the Little Flower to bemused, perhaps even sceptical, onlookers. Similarly, the remains of Australopithecus Sediba – or ‘the Boy’, as the staff of the Origins Centre at Wits University call him with affection – are the subject of visits by the curious, research and debate by the scientists, reports and articles by journalists, and fascination by the rest of us.
Why are we drawn to looking at bones, whether of saints or ancient hominids?
What is the connection between faith (Jerusalem) and the secular world (Athens)? The rhetorical question above was first posed by Tertullian, a 2nd Century Christian apologist. It is a question that St Paul answered by his own actions (as read from the Acts of the Apostles earlier this week). He went to the academic heart of Athens – the equivalent of Wits Senate House! – and talked to his audience about ‘the unknown God’ and about Resurrection. Their reaction is instructive: a few became believers; some burst out laughing; but the largest group were just intrigued to find out more.
As Christians, we often shy away from talking to people who do not share our views.
At Pentecost we are offered an amazing image of the redemption from fear. The disciples had locked themselves into the upper room. We have this image from the early church of a group of people filled with fear of what might happen to them.
As I was reading this story again I was struck by many of it’s comparisons to our own time. Recently we have seen the rise of fundamentalist elements in the various world religions. It seems to me that what all fundamentalist points of view have in common is this experience of being fearful, locked in our own upper rooms.
Posing as a beggar, the young man turned away from the car, but in a single movement turned back, punching in the front passenger window with a sparkplug. It was like a small explosion which left nothing but a few jagged edges of glass. He plunged into the vehicle and made a grab for the handbag lying on the floor at the feet of the 50-something woman passenger.
Poor choice! The lady had anticipated his move.
Should God have a role in public morality? The Jesuit Institute and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) co-hosted a panel discussion in the grand setting of the Council Chamber at UJ on 26th May 2010. Four distinguished panellists discussed the role that religion should play in the national debate on morality recently proposed by President Jacob Zuma.
We work with people from the business, political and educational sectors as well as those from various faith backgrounds. We are keen to engage with all who have an interest in improving our society.
The Jesuit Institute is dedicated to providing training and encouraging debate on current social and religious issues from a faith perspective and to stimulating critical reflection, research and dialogue.
The Jesuit Institute provides reflection and training on, and critical analysis of, contemporary social and religious issues from a Catholic perspective. We are motivated by the service of faith and the promotion of justice.
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