COMPASSION, the CICM

way
The linguistic root of compassion is cum-
passio. Passio means “to suffer” and cum
means “with.” Put together, compassion
means “to suffer with (Park, 2018).”
However, more than its literal
interpretation, compassion talks about
the wider and liberal understanding of the
concept.
It should be understood holistically with the
following themes:
a) compassion as suffering with,
b) compassion as resistance,
c) compassion as reconciliation,
d) compassion as forgiveness, and
e) compassion as peaceful co-existence.
Compassion as “suffering with” talks
about not just the feeling of sympathy
or empathy towards those suffering.
Rather, it talks about bearing the
suffering with the people implying
actions.
Compassion as resistance would
mean being able to resist
injustices that cause the suffering
and discomfort of people.
Compassion as reconciliation would
mean our oneness with everyone
regardless of their location, race and
other classifications. It is not choosing
only those who we want to be in
compassion with. Since it is a
universal value, it must be applied to
anyone by everyone.
Compassion as forgiveness would mean
breaking the chain of violence caused
by peoples’ inability to let go of pride
and anger.
Compassion as peaceful co-existence
incorporates a radical inclusion of the
marginalized.
Therefore, to be compassionate means to live
with the poor. The poor can be anyone in a
disadvantageous, difficult, or any situation
causing pain, discomfort and non-recognition
and everyone can be the poor ones in one
way or the other. With the recognition that
everyone can be poor, the more it should
encourage everyone to be compassionate to
all but with more emphasis on those who
most need it.
In the context of the CICM Missionary
ministry, compassion is manifested in
their solidarity with the people with
whom they live and work since they are
part of the local church community. They
are invited to discover a better
understanding of solidarity which is real
communion with the poor, sharing in
their living conditions, and willingness
to be evangelized by them too.
Solidarity with the poor also demands that the
CICM members reflect on the material means they
use. This must not grow into an instrument of
domination. In view of a good integration and
continuity of work, the CICM missionaries should
appreciate local means and fully estimate the
contribution of the people for both their
sustenance and their works. Hence, compassion is
an important value for all the students of Saint
Mary’s University to emulate.