Benedict XVI spoke and published much on the topic of Catholic formation in his capacity as Pope and Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation (now Dicastery) of the Doctrine of the Faith. Among other things, Benedict emphasized that education in the faith with a healthy appreciation of one’s baptismal commitments begins in the family, and when deepened constitutes the summit of personal formation, which avoids a superficial or fragile faith and provides one the means to fulfil the mission entrusted by God, to live it in a coherent way, and to transmit the faith effectively to others. He emphasized the importance of the synthesis of faith and reason, viewing them as complementary, mutually enriching, while his dialogue with the world of culture involved discussions about the truth of Christianity as love: God is Love, both logos and agape grounded in the Person of Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God’s Love.

 
 

ICJF gathers Catholic scholars to study various aspects, especially delicate issues of concern for the Catholic Church and society at large, for example, deviations from authentic notions of love and human sexuality, the importance of St. Joseph for our times, and so forth.

Formation Assistance for a Persecuted Police Officer

Gerard Brand

Gerard Brand, a 28-year member of law enforcement and Police Officer persecuted for his Catholic faith and skin color, was given financial support towards finishing his Master of Art in leadership at Royal Roads University, in British Columbia. He had filed a human rights complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission regarding his time in law enforcement. The complaint included grievances related to being a practicing Catholic in law enforcement, the racism encountered while serving, and the inherent biases endured while employed there. The anti-Catholic bias inherent in the pertinent police organization, prevalent for many years at the time of the grant, had yet to be addressed. While the same organization reportedly instituted policies to combat racism, the effectiveness of which, at the time of the grant, had yet to be proven. The said policies did not benefit Brand. Pending determination of the human rights complaint process, including the economic issues related to the discrimination, Brand was in urgent need of financial resources to complete the Master’s program, and was one class away from finishing.