VATICAN CITY, JUL 11, 2001, (VIS) - Made public today was the document "Guidelines for the Pastoral Ministry of Tourism" produced by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples. Written in Italian, it consists of an introduction, three parts, and a conclusion, and is dated June 29, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
Archbishop Stephen Fumio Hamao, president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, and Archbishop Francesco Gioia, secretary of the same Pontifical Council, write in the introduction that the document is addressed to bishops, priests, men and women religious and, "more directly, summons the laity, called to evangelize in this specific area of social and secular reality."
The first part, entitled "The Reality of Tourism Today," states: "The tourism industry has been transformed into one of the primary economic forces in the entire world and it holds first place in some countries."
With regard to tourism and free time, the document affirms that the true meaning of rest can be seen when "man consecrates his time to God ... and when he generously dedicates himself to the service of others, especially the family."
Emphasizing that tourism "must always safeguard the dignity of the person, both of the tourist and of the local community," the document recalls "the negative aspects which in many places accompany tourist development: the exploitation of people ... the spreading of illnesses which seriously endanger the health of many sectors of the population; drug traffic and consumption; the physical destruction of the cultural identity and of vital resources."
Referring to the binomial "tourism-theology," the document states that "In tourism the Christian is invited to revive in a special way thanksgiving for the gift of creation, in which shines the beauty of the Creator. ... The contemplation of creation accompanies man in his religious life, inspires his prayer and animates him in the hope of promised salvation."
The second part of the text, "Pastoral Objectives," notes that "The central aim of the pastoral care of tourism is to stimulate those optimal conditions which help the Christian to live the reality of tourism as a moment of grace and salvation."
"The celebration of the Eucharist is the most frequent moment of encounter between the community of a place and the tourists, but it need not be the only one." Also necessary are "the most significant moments of the liturgical year, which often coincide with vacation time."
In reference to the welcoming of visitors, the guidelines emphasize the need to give special attention to the visitors who are members of other Christian confessions, at the same time stressing the importance that the welcome of visitors be prepared "with great care," particularly "in places of specific religious meaning," such as shrines. "It will be worthwhile to remember, moreover, that for many tourists such visits often constitute a unique occasion for experiencing the Christian faith."
It also emphasizes that among the different groups of people who engage in tourism, adolescents and youth in particular must be offered "the necessary conditions to make such travel experiences an occasion for them to deepen their faith."
With regard to the advertising of tourism programs, the document urges "tour promoters to be objective in their information and to have absolute respect for the dignity of persons and the external appearance of the places to which the information refers, as well as honesty regarding tourism proposals and total reliability in the services offered."
Tourism pastoral care workers "must be offered ... a specific preparation during formation, both in professional schools, and through other complementary initiatives. ... Religious and sacramental attention appropriate to their working conditions will be necessary, without violating the times and rhythms of the life of the community."
In the third part of the document, "Pastoral Structures," various concrete initiatives in the tourism milieux are illustrated which could be undertaken by episcopal conferences at the diocesan and parish levels.
"In order to satisfy the desire to know other persons and cultures, to develop his personal abilities and have new experiences," says the conclusion, "man chooses to devote part of his free time to tourism."
CON-SM/PASTORAL CARE TOURISM/HAMAO:GIOIA VIS 20010711 (700)
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