Abstract
Objective:Investigate the hardships caused by the SARS CoV-2 pandemic in the social domain, and especially church life in Croatia. Additionally, the study aimed to study the guidelines for the faithful and society at large established by the Catholic Church. Further, guidelines are proposed to improve specific pastoral practices in the context of the pandemic. Methods:This paper uses the scientific research method of pastoral judgment developed by the Lateran School (Lanza, 2008;Čondić, 2013;Vranješ, 2013). Results:Following a theological and pastoral analysis of the impacts of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, particularly in the ec- clesiastical domain, as well as a study of the guidelines is- sued by both the universal and local Church and prominent theologians, guidelines for improving the existing practice were proposed in six areas: Discovering the meaning of suf-fering (life); To reject suffering is to reject love; Where am I in the era of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic?; Liberating men from fear; Paying attention to the collocutor; and The parish com- munity is a space for everyone. Conclusion:Despite being taken by surprise by the initial outbreak of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, the Catholic church in Croatia has considerable potential and has engaged in a wide scope of activities to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. This primarily has to do with bolstering the spiritual dimension in the faithful. Faith overcomes fear, gives meaning to suffering, and acts as a life force that may help heal the whole of society through fellowship and tangible support to those at-risk during the pandemic.
Highlights
ObjectiveInvestigate the hardships caused by the SARS CoV-2 pandemic in the social domain, and especially church life in Croatia
This paper considers the impacts of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic on day-to-day life, as well as what can be done by the Church to mitigate its consequences
The pandemic may not be God’s word to humanity, but it certainly is an opportunity to rethink our way of life. This is confirmed by a recent study from Italy, which found that only very few respondents thought of the pandemic as God’s punishment (Pace, 2021, p. 32). Another Italian study found that the devout moved even closer to God, prayer, and Church activities during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic (Maccioni, 2021)
Summary
Investigate the hardships caused by the SARS CoV-2 pandemic in the social domain, and especially church life in Croatia. The study aimed to study the guidelines for the faithful and society at large established by the Catholic Church. Guidelines are proposed to improve specific pastoral practices in the context of the pandemic
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