Social Doctrine



Dear Mark Shea,

Thanks, Mark, for the great apologetics work you're doing.

My questions concerning social doctrine are:

1) Is there a catechism concerning the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church available?

2) I've heard of the Encyclical, Mater et Magistra. Where did this name come from? Who named it?

Thank you. I'll be praying for your ministry.

In the Name of Jesus,

Daniel

Dear Daniel,

In answer to your questions:

1. Yes. The Church has issued a “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” The updated release is due out this month.

2. All encyclicals take their names from the opening words of the Latin original. “Mater et Magistra” means “Mother and Teacher” and comes from the opening words of the encyclical: “Mother and Teacher of all nations — such is the Catholic Church in the mind of her Founder, Jesus Christ; to hold the world in an embrace of love, that men, in every age, should find in her their own completeness in a higher order of living, and their ultimate salvation.” It was written by Pope John XXIII in 1961.

I deeply appreciate your prayers!

Mark Shea


Mark Shea is Senior Content Editor for Catholic Exchange. You may visit his website at www.mark-shea.com check out his blog, Catholic and Enjoying It!, or purchase his books and tapes here.

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Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.

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