Catholic Social Ethics & Migration

Catalog description

Our pastoral work with migrants requires a theology and an ethic of solidarity that gives greater meaning to the Gospel and to the ecclesial experience through a culture of encounter. In this course, students will receive the opportunity to: (1) Discern the "signs of the times" by listening and putting words to the sufferings, realities and hopes of migrants; (2) Receive the tools for personal and community reflection on the phenomenon of migration and illuminate this reality through from an ethic of solidarity which can be expressed through acts of both charity (welcoming the stranger) and social justice (creating systemic change); (3) To become aware of the psychological, spiritual and social condition that makes the migrant an extremely vulnerable person and realize that our salvation depends on the treatment we give our neighbors (Mt 25:40); ( 4) To become aware of our status as social beings and the universal call to love through "The Theology of the Good Samaritan" as one of the key teachings of Pope Francis' new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, which implies working towards creating change in structures to make resettlement easier legally and institutionally; (5) Reflect on the importance and centrality of accompaniment as Jesus' own style and the essential characteristic of his various aspects and challenges included in the pastoral act of accompanying migrants. Note: The course will incorporate a popular religiosity style as well as the personal experiences of students to embrace key topics that are at the very center of our Catholic Social Teaching.