The Church in the Modern World - Series No. - Author - Archbishop Sergio Pignedoli

Sep 21, 2026

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Selections of social significance and an accompanying author profile introduce Archbishop Sergio Pignedoli’s reflections. The text presents key ideas from the “Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World,” summarizing its two-part structure and emphasizing the Church’s mission in modern society. It outlines major chapters: human nature, social life and the common good, human activity toward unity, and the Church’s dialogue with the contemporary world, grounded in Christian responsibility.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Social Thought

Selections of Social Significance

The First Part of the Pastoral Constitution "The Church in the Modern World"

Date7TITLE"The Church in the ModernSUBJECTSeries No.AUTHORWor1d Archbishop Sergio Pignedoliltem No.SOURCEApostolic Telegate to Ca na daNe1son Socia1 ConferenceNotre Dame University,June 18,1966 # Social Thought Selections of Social Sig nificance The Article "one feels the weight of our mediocrity,above a11,when onesees how much our faults over the centuries have helpedto confuse the appearances of the Church in men's minds withwhat she rea11y is and how we have so often used the Churchto serve our own persona 1 interests. How many times has Christianity been obscured by the Christianisms of individua1s,or by specia1 conditions in a country or an epocha1 story。On each occasion we must say with a11 sincerity,"mea culpa". But once we have confessed this from the heart,strengthand decisive faith are ours and we are rea dy to share inthe work of the sa1vation of the wor1d。Because we knowthat God wi11s to save the wor1d through the means of ourweakness,and we have such a large supply of wea kness。 Godhas chosen the foolish things of this wor1d and the weakof this wor1d to confound the strong;the ignoble and con-temptible have been chosen by God。(i。Cor。1,17-28)) Thegreat miracle of history is that God saves the strong bymeans of the weak,provided that the weak can love。 The Auihor His Excellency,Nost Reverend Sergio Pignedoli,ApostolicDelegate to Cana da was born in Felina di Reggio Emilia,Italy。He was consecrated Archbishop in 1951 and in 1954was named Nuncio to Venezuela。 In 1955 he was named Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop Montini(Pope Pau1 VI)。From1960-64 he was Apostolic Delegate to Centra1 West Africa,a nd in 1964 came to Cana da。His Excellency holds degrees inliterature,church history and church law。 "They that are learned sball sbine as the brightness of the firznament;andthey that instruct many to justice,as stars for all eternity.”(Daniel 12) ## The First Part of the Pastora1 Constitution"The Church in the Modern Wor1d。 "The Pastora1 Constitution on the Church in the Modern Wor1d"isdivided into two parts;the first part is devoted to genera1 principlesand the second,to principles that are more particu1ar。I wi11 treatthe first part,paying specia1 attention to the fourth chapter whichtreats of the mission of the Church and of Christians in the modernwor1d. I presuppose,natura11y,that a11 of you here have read theConstitution。 First Point:a brief resumé of the first part of the Constitution: In introducing this Constitution,the Counci1 made a declarationwhich cou1d be saidto be the key to understanding the entire document;"This community(the Church)realizes that it is truly and intimatelylinked with mankind and its history。"(p.200) In its introduction,the Constitution speaks of the actua1 condi-tion of man in the wor1d to-day with his "joys and hopes,his griefsand anxieties"。A1ong with the great conquests that have been ma de inthe fielas of technology and organization,man finds himself spiritua11ypoorer than he was and consequent1y,the attainment of any 1astinghappiness has become more and more elusive to him.The reason for thiscontrast is found in the fact that man,turning a1most exclusivelytowards exterior values,has deadened the cry of his other needs andma de less of religion and of God.He thus finds himself face to facewith the question,"Nhat is man"and he knows not what to answer。What is this sense of sorrow,of evi1,of death,which continues toexist despite so much progress?What is the purpose of these victoriespurchased at so high a cost?What can rnan offer to s ociety,what canhe expect from it?What fol1ows this earth1y life?"(p。208)On1ythe Church is in a position to answer this question;her answer is onethat has been revealed to her through Jesus Christ. The first chapter of the Constitution considers man in his trueand complete nature,a creature of God made in His own ima ge,consti-tuted of body and sou1,a synthesis of a11 terrestria1 creatures and Digitized by the Internet Archive

FAQs

What central theme is highlighted in the selections of social significance?

The reflections emphasize how Christian identity can be obscured by personal interests or distorted by “Christianisms,” followed by a sincere confession and renewed faith for the world’s salvation.

How is the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World structured?

It is divided into two parts: general principles and more particular principles, with special focus on the fourth chapter concerning the Church’s mission and Christians’ role in the modern world.

Which human concerns does the introduction connect to the condition of people in the world today?

It contrasts technological and organizational conquests with spiritual poverty, raising questions about what man is, the purpose of victories, suffering and death, and what humanity can offer society.

Sep 21, 2026

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