Question:
I learned recently that the first hospitals were founded by the Church. Why? What other things have their origin in the Church?
Answer:
Many social institutions have their origin in early church life. Meeting the needs of people was the most basic expression of faith. Not only did God make people in his own image and likeness, but Jesus had given the command of love: “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). The apostles had appointed the first deacons to look after the needs of the poor widows. It wasn’t long afterwards that hospices, hospitals, soup kitchens, and orphanages appeared. Universities came later, based on monastery and cathedral schools that had been ordered to provide education to young boys by Charlemagne. As the needs of society became more complex, the Church would champion the needs of the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the needy. All of this was done out of respect for the dignity of each person and the need to prepare them to hear and embrace the Gospel. Organizing social institutions made for a more efficient use of resources, and a more visible sign of the ongoing work of the Church in preaching and teaching the Gospel.