“Infected by the New – Developing Change Positively!”

Academy Day 2021 - Uncovering What We Learned During the Pandemic and What We Can Still Learn!

On January 16, 2021, the Pallottiners held their online Academy Day in Vallendar under the motto: “Infected by the New – Developing Change Positively!” “These times invite reflection: Together, we will look at what has been learned during the Corona pandemic from various perspectives and how new developments have emerged that go beyond the crisis,” explained Prof. Dr. Paul Rheinbay SAC, head of the Institute for Scientific Continuing Education (IWW) at the PTHV, regarding the focus of the Academy Day.

Guests of Prof. Rheinbay SAC and Daniel Steiger, director of the Catholic Adult Education Center Koblenz (KEB Koblenz), included Prof. Dr. Franziskus von Heereman, endowed chair of Philosophy of Social-Charitable Action at PTHV and a member of the Maltese Order, as well as Father Markus Hau SAC, Mission Secretary of the Pallottiners. Prof. von Heereman has been overseeing a project for disabled youth in Lebanon for many years, for which he received the Federal Cross of Merit in 2020; Markus Hau SAC is responsible for the Pallottiners’ collaboration with project partners worldwide and has gained significant experience in recent months regarding the impacts of the pandemic in Africa and Asia.

Distancing as an Act of Solidarity?

In his address, Prof. von Heereman highlighted the dangers and opportunities of the epidemic from a philosophical and ethical perspective. “It is a human temptation to make predictions about where this pandemic is headed,” von Heereman noted. He warned against hasty interpretations, stating that these can only be made in hindsight. “The facts show that this is an unclear and complex phenomenon of nature and culture. Additionally, a phenomenon of freedom comes into play, and freedom cannot be predicted.” He advised patience and urged contemplation on the dangers and opportunities of this crisis. “The special form of solidarity that is required of us—distancing—can erode our togetherness.” These limitations to community life are not typically aligned with the nature of human assistance and do not foster our sense of belonging in the long term. However, the crisis also presents opportunities that can be seized: 1. To appreciate the community more and 2. To live consciously with the knowledge of mortality and vulnerability. His conclusion: “Corona has deepened our humanity.”

Church in a Parallel Universe?

Daniel Steiger critically examined the role of the church since the onset of the Corona pandemic and attempted to answer the question: “Is Corona the accelerator of a development towards a smaller and more personal Christian community?” He left no doubt about the justified criticism of the church, especially in light of past scandals and unresolved issues. However, he also pointed out where and to what extent creative and encouraging initiatives for society have been implemented, particularly in the area of charitable institutions, such as online benefit concerts or offerings from young pastoral workers. “In all these positive examples, it’s about turning towards people and their life worlds.” During the Corona crisis, it became clear that the church and the secular world risk drifting even further apart. The church often takes place in a bubble, a parallel universe. “The paradigm shift must happen on a small scale, in small groups, and in quiet calmness.”

Learning from Africa!

Father Markus Hau SAC broadened the view to the global church and the tension between need and solidarity. Using the countries where the Pallottiners oversee projects, he illustrated how Corona has exacerbated existing problems in those countries as a catalyst. “Worldwide, we’re talking about the same thing—Corona, a topic that connects the world, yet each country experiences it differently, particularly highlighting the plight of the poor.” For example, in Nigeria/Africa, the destabilization of the country is felt more acutely due to the economic consequences of the pandemic, political unrest, and an extremely fragile security situation. Further examples from India, South Africa, and Malawi confirmed his statements, also showing that where need is greatest, people act with exceptional solidarity. His conclusion: “We can learn a lot from African countries regarding humanity. Corona invites us to look beyond our own experiences and not turn away, but rather to observe closely.”

Pausing as an Opportunity

Prof. Rheinbay SAC, who leads a meditation program in the Diocese of Essen, pointed out what becomes apparent through the current situation—in human interaction and in the individual’s relationship with themselves. “The virus strikes at the very lifeblood of people, putting a halt to busyness.” Some aspects of the now forced life, with more pauses and reflections, could continue to be relevant even after Corona: for instance, experiencing loneliness as an opportunity for being at one with oneself. The breath perceived in silence and meditation is the bridge to an experience meant for each individual: life as a precious gift, a shining gem. “This radiance within me is not a pious idea or an ideal to be achieved through performance, but rather a present experience in the midst of life, amidst the realities of everyday.” The awareness of this is alive in many people and becomes conscious in times of need; the longing for it emerges and desires acknowledgment. “It makes people seekers of themselves; and as a believer, I can say: in the trust that God is already reaching out to me. It’s not just about individual happiness, but rather an inexhaustible potential for action that serves not self-centered interests, but everyone.”

In the subsequent panel discussion, questions arose regarding a possible theological interpretation of the pandemic, the question of the church’s relevance during the pandemic, and potential future forecasts.

You can watch the Academy Day online on YouTube:

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Report: Verena Breitbach
Photo: Father Markus Hau

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