Respect for Human Dignity

Written by Barb Spies, OFS, FV Mission Director

Our reverence for and commitment to promoting and protecting the dignity of persons.

It’s such a joy when something from popular culture speaks to values of faith. I found such a moment this week when I went to see Barbie at the movies. I was expecting a fun time. But, I also was so happy to find messages about the respect for human dignity. In one scene, Barbie seeks wisdom from an older woman, demonstrating a reverence for her knowledge from her life experiences. My favorite scene had Barbie sitting at a bus stop with an older woman, played by a 91-year-old Academy Award –winning costume designer, having a short conversation. She turns to the woman and tells her that she is beautiful. It is a gentle moment that clearly brings joy to both Barbie and her new friend.

Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, the foundress of the Felician Sisters, clearly saw the dignity of each person she encountered and served. She housed and cared for abandoned children and women without homes, often widows. She followed the path of St. Felix of Cantalice, a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, who also served those in need. As a Franciscan, she experienced each person as a unique creation of God.

At Felician Village, this same value of respect for human dignity shines through in all that we do. The health and well-being of each resident is of utmost importance. Though I am new here, I have seen the beauty of the ways in which all of the staff treat each person they encounter with care and respect. Seeing that reverence for individuals brings delight.