cura animarum

This post comes from a passionate, yet at times frustrating place. But it 100% comes from having compassion for people and wanting nothing but the best for them.

Cura animarum is a Latin term meaning “care of souls”. Although the care of souls is a pastoral responsibility of the clergy, it seems that many clergy lack the capacity to provide this type of care to their parishioners/members.

It takes a special kind of clergy to know how to care for souls in such a way that brings healing and makes way for wholeness.  I often find clergy unable to hold the stories of their parishioners/members without trying to fix their story.

When I say “hold” I mean listening without judgements and without advice.  I understand part of the pastoral responsibility is to also guide, teach, administer sacrements, delegate, and much more but oh how cura animarum is also important.

I wonder if the church will ever get back to the ministry of the “care of souls” or if this is something her parishioners will continue to look for outside of the church?

Why is this lacking? I do not believe it is always an intentional disregard by clergy, but it is worth exploring.