Virtuous petition for solidarity and a new Ireland 17 March, 2021 00:01
“PEACE is the fruit of solidarity. Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.” (St Pope John Paul II, On Social Concern, Sollicitudo rei Socialis, no 38) December 30 1987).
The Pope’s teaching on solidarity and Blessed Martin Luther King jnr’s teaching on The Beloved Community provides a beautiful vision for a new Ireland. And, lest we forget, John Paul II also taught – in the words of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace – “Peace is founded not only on human rights but also on respect for the rights of peoples, in particular the right