Catholic philanthropy – a mystery in myriad parts

 Why Catholic philanthropy?  The broad variety of organizations to which NCCF’s trustees have approved distributions over the past twenty-three years suggests to some that our concept of Catholic philanthropy exceeds the bounds of ‘being Catholic’.  Our reply, of course, is that the distributions we make at the requests of our donors promote human dignity. Because they do this in a manner that does not contravene the teachings of the Church, they reflect the Gospel and are therefore Catholic. It is a simple explanation, but upon reflection it prompts further thought.

To be sure other than its promotion of obviously religious causes Catholic philanthropy appears to be indistinct from similar efforts of secular organizations to improve the wellbeing of the world. However, there is a fundamental distinction, one which has more to do with the motive of the donor than the mission of the receiver.

Organized secular philanthropy can be very effective.  However, especially when enormous sums of money are involved, it can engender hubris. Realizing their ability to effectuate major change these philanthropists may succumb to the tendency of regarding themselves as a supreme authority both in terms of power and wisdom.  Beyond the temptation of self-aggrandizement such philanthropy risks promoting programs which reflect ‘personal agendas’ rather than address commonly recognized critical needs.

Catholic philanthropy on the other hand is motivated by one’s desire to do God’s will. This motivation is inspired by the belief that there is a divine plan (why else do we pray “The kingdom come”?). We are the doers and not the author of this plan.  Furthermore, as we act to make the world a better place not only are we the hands of Providence, we also are in the hands of Providence. Catholic philanthropy requires discernment and relies on our hope that what we do is consistent with God’s will.

Catholic philanthropy plays a less obvious but equally critical role in the world’s advance.

In his book Saved In Hope Pope Benedict writes: “Our contemporary age has developed the hope of creating a perfect world that, thanks to scientific knowledge and to scientifically based politics, seemed to be achievable. Thus Biblical hope in the Kingdom of God has been displaced by hope in the kingdom of man”.  In such a world we become a technocracy. Politics becomes our religion and technology our salvation. As a result, we would remorselessly ignore the principle of subsidiarity. Wittingly or otherwise we would forfeit our right, indeed our obligation, to discern what is right as we surrender to others our individual capabilities to improve the world. We would bow to the algorithm rather than to the Almighty and in doing so sacrifice our freedom and integrity.

Where Catholic philanthropy flourishes this technocratic impulse is held in check.

Catholic philanthropy is practiced by countless millions across the globe. While these ‘philanthropists’ cannot comprehend how, they trust that in some way their initiatives mysteriously enliven the divine plan. Clearly Catholic philanthropy benefits the parties immediately engaged in it. More significant, though, is that it benefits the world.  Whenever and wherever it is practiced our shared hope about the future is fortified and we experience the reassuring reminder that we’re not the ones in charge. We discern rather than design God’s plan.