Among the countless values and ideals that make up the basis of the Catholic faith is the Catholic church’s Seven Catholic Social Teachings. Of the seven teachings, this blog will solely focus on the teaching of Solidarity and how it influences the Catholic church’s perception of media.
The Catholic social teaching of Solidarity is depicted according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops when they write, “We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences” (2005). Thus, among all the differences that humans possess, the Catholic church is highlighting a common attitude of respect and love among all mankind in order to promote peace and justice. Furthermore, this teaching encourages the idea of humanity as one united family despite these differences. This teachings implementation can be easily observed in the Catholic community as Catholic members commonly refer to each other as “brother” or “sister,” and even call their priests “father.”
This teaching can be further portrayed through the analyzation of two images. The first was taken outside of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. In this image, the cathedral’s facade is seen on the left and a line of people waiting to enter are observed on the right. After close inspection, the line of people is made up of a variety of ethnicities, genders, races, nationalities, and assumedly economical situations as well as ideological differences. This captures the Catholic church’s teaching of Solidarity wherein the people have set aside their differences for the greater purpose of visiting and beholding this cathedral.
The other image was also taken in Florence at the prominent art museum, the Uffizi Gallery. The photograph captures the notable altarpiece called the “Adoration of the Magi” painted by Gentile da Fabriano. This work depicts the biblical story of the Magi as they journey to greet the newly born Messiah, Jesus. Of the collection of paintings on the wooden base panel, the largest illustrates the three Magi, presenting three gifts to baby Jesus. The precession behind the three men is a collection of people notably of various ethnicities. The Magi’s clothing, considerably covered in gold, portray their prominent wealth in comparison to the gathering behind them who mostly is dressed in more commonplace attire. Again, the teaching of Solidarity is observed as this story portrays how a multitude of people put aside their economic or ethnic differences for the larger objective to meet and praise newborn Jesus.
Finally, the Catholic social teaching of Solidarity can be observed through the Catholic church’s use of media. According to the pastoral instruction, “Communio et Progressio, “The unity and advancement of men living in society: these are the chief aims of social communication and of all the means it uses” (1971). This statement emphasizes the Catholic church’s value underlining the utilization of media to unite all of humanity. This aligns with the social teaching of Solidarity as both concepts are emphasizing a goal of uniting mankind. While Solidarity claims that all humanity should be united despite racial, national, economic, ethnic, and ideological differences, the media offers a method in which to implement and possibly strengthen this teaching. Furthermore, the teaching of Solidarity emphasizes creating media and artwork to show the best of humanity, including respect and love for all humans.
In conclusion, the Catholic social teaching of Solidarity focuses on mankind as one human family despite the multitude of differences people exhibit among each other. Additionally, in the Catholic church, media is used as a means to strengthen and present this teaching to best solidify not only the Catholic community but men and women of God’s creation.
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