The social teaching of the Church is often described as its best-kept secret. Gerry O’Hanlon SJ from the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice introduces Messenger readers to this rich source of wisdom for our lives together that is to be found in the social teaching of the Church.

Cathy Molloy outlines why the family is so important for giving children the security and acceptance they need to develop and its importance in building up a civilisation of love.

Fr Paul Andrews SJ highlights unconscious prejudice and how we can annihilate the more vulnerable people in society without ever being aware of what we are doing.

In 2005 the Church published The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. This is an accessible summary of Catholic social teaching of the last century. Gerry O’Hanlon stresses that this is not something added on to our faith. It is the practical application of the Gospel.

Canon 285 par 3 of the Code of Canon Law states: “Clerics are forbidden to assume public office whenever it means sharing in the exercise of civil power”. Columban missionary Fr Shay Cullen asks us not to judge too hastily those who have felt the struggle for justice has warranted [...]

Andrew Carvell outlines how the annual Rimini Festival of faith and friendship, the largest Catholic cultural event in Europe, manages to attract up to one million Catholics annually.

Tom Cahill talks with Jean Quinn, founder of the Sophia Housing Association which takes a holistic approach to helping homeless people.