The Church teaches that torture is evil. Included in the definition would be so-called “enhanced interrogation” techniques. Jesus Christ himself was a victim of torture, suffering incredible pain and indignity by the authorities. During this Lent, let us reflect on how we can better recognize torture in the policies and laws of our government and help to end torture in our own country and in the world.
Opening Prayer
O God, merciful and strong,
who crush wars and cast down the proud,
be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst
and to wipe away all tears,
st that we may all truly deserve to be called your children.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
(from the collect of “In Times of War or Civil Disturbance” ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)
Scripture Reading – Psalm for Wednesday of Holy Week
Catechism 2297-2298
Compendium 404;
Pope Francis on Torture in jails and prisons (paragraph II. c.)
Pope St. John Paul II on Torture (paragraph 80);
Pope Benedict XVI on torture;
Pope Francis on torture;
USCCB Backgrounder on Torture, 2013;
USCCB Torture is a Moral Issue Guide, 2007;
USCCB Study Guide on
Torture One-Day Workshop, 2012;
UN Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
Catechesis Video
The Holy See of the Catholic Church supports the International “Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment” which defines torture as: “For the purposes of this Convention, the term “torture” means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.” This definition, according to the USCCB, would seem to include so-called “enhanced interrogation” techniques as torture by another name.
Catechesis Reflection Questions
Grades 7-12
Parish Leadership/Committees
Faith sharing/Parishioners/College Students
Witness Video – Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Van Thuan – Prisoner, torture survivor
If you want to watch more of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan you can borrow the DVD “Road of Hope” from the Education Resource Center, “Road of Hope: The Spiritual Journey of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan” DVD #31582
Witness Video Questions
Grades 7-12
Parish leadership/Committees
Faithsharing/Parishioners/College Students
Parish Leadership/Committees
Action Steps
Grades 7-12
Parish Leadership/Committees
Faithsharing/Parishioners/College Students
Closing Prayer
From now on, Lord,
Help me to bring your love everywhere:
to schools and hospitals,
to marketplaces and theaters,
to press and television.
No one should be deprived
of the environment of love.
Lord, love is the means you want me to use
to bear witness to you,
or you would have shown me another way.
(From Prayers of Hope, Words of Courage,
by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan,
Pauline Books, 2002)