From the very beginning, the Roman Catholic Church supported the poor. At the ba-sis of fundamental option for the poor there is the will of Christ who had unconditional love for the poor, the sick, the disabled and those people who needed spiritual and material sup-port. Aid can be provided in many ways, paying attention to the effectiveness of its help. We know, however, that not every way is an actual aid. Helping can cause harm. That is why the Church teaches that there is a need for a new imagination of mercy as well as new forms of solidarity with the poor. In this article we focus on the geography of the poor’s world, looking for the answer to the question: what kind of new problems and challenges are arising as a result of contem-porary material, cultural, moral and spiritual poverty? In what spirit should employees and volunteers of Caritas help? We refer to the three theological virtues presenting them as the foundation of Christian solidarity with the poor. Finally, we pay attention to the formation of religious attitudes of Caritas workers, to enable them to avoid effectively the danger of secu-larism. Therefore, we suggest taking into consideration new forms of solidarity with the poor.
The diocesan Caritas in Poland for several years pay special attention to religious and moral formation of its employees and volunteers. The Catechism, which appeared in the Year of faith, announced by the pope Benedict XVI, is shaping the ethical and religious attitudes of employees. The Catechism presents work in Caritas as a form of realization of the Christian vocation. All believers, especially Caritas workers should get involved in the charity work and the deeds of love of neighbor. The fourth part of the Catechism deals with the religious motives of work in Caritas. In this article, the author describes the style of work in diocesan Caritas, moral duties and the spirit of mercy, which should characterize those, who assist neighbors in need. Appearing moral obligations as well as ethical and moral silhouette of workers, the author tries to encourage them to permanent work over oneself and deepen of personal faith.
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