Mater et Magistra

A reading guide

Abstract

Published on the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Rerum Novarum (RN) (1891), Pope John XXIII’s Encyclical Mater et Magistra (MM) (1961) is regarded as a “transitional encyclical” in the context of the historical development of the Church’s social doctrine. And for several reasons: it places the issue of social justice in the broader context of the relationship between peoples; it is inserted in the context of change/transition that characterizes the pontificate of John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council; it is marked by an attitude of confidence and optimism towards the world and by a less philosophical-abstract and more concrete-empirical style and language in dealing with reality. All of this gives particular importance and relevance to the MM and justifies this work which, as its subtitle indicates, is intended to be a guide for reading the encyclical. It begins by indicating the socio-ecclesial context in which it arises and to which it seeks to respond. Gives a panoramic presentation of the text in its fundamental structure and content. And it concludes by highlighting some important points for its proper understanding and interpretation.