Review article
Bl. Ivan Merz – an Educator of Youth in the Faith. On the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Death of bl. Ivan Merz
Božidar Nagy
; Filozofski fakultet Družbe Isusove, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
After analyzing the content of bl. Ivan Merz's educational work we can place it in two categories: theological-ecclesial themes and Christian morals themes. The first content of the first category is Christ the saviour in the Eucharist, to whom Merz directs the youth by insisting that they live a sacramental life. He also speaks of the Church in its many facets especially its salvific role for all of humanity and for each person. Merz also includes the liturgy, Mary, and the documents of the Church magisterium in his formation of youth. In the second category of Christian morals, bl. Ivan Merz develops the following themes in his work with youth: the defence of moral principles, chastity, love, sexuality, fashion, dance, the mass media (print, film). He also deals with the theme of music and youth, physical education, and he gives much attention to politics and the participation of catholics in politics. Furthermore, he speaks of authentic patriotism and he pays special attention to questions dealing with women's rights, emphasiying the dignity of women, their position in society and their role in the apostolate. Observing his educational work in the light of the aforementioned content, we can see that bl. Merz had an integral vision of man's faith, morals and social dimension. Thus, he desired to develop in the youth an integral and mature human and Christian character.
Keywords
Bl. Ivan Merz; formation; content; youth; the Church; the Eucharist; the liturgy; Mary; the apostolate; the Pope; Orlovstvo; morality; chastity; love; sexuality; woman; fashion; dance; music; physical education; exercise; politics; patriotism
Hrčak ID:
113153
URI
Publication date:
24.9.2008.
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