Working for the common good

If community is a buzzword at UD, it’s fitting that the man who delivered this year’s Marianist Heritage Lecture speaker would take the concept to a whole new level.

On Feb. 6, Larry Hufford, a professor at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. presented his ideas on a faith-based form of democracy. Based in the teachings of Paulo Freire, Huffard believes in a concept of social justice derived from social charity.

“No one community looks like another,” said Huffard.  Communities must decide for themselves what the common good is and work together to achieve it.

Hufford explained the common good is not a definition, but rather a process that requires community, hard work and strong relationships. He encourages the people of a city to look within themselves to see what talents they can use to better their area as a whole.

One of the most important aspects in achieving social justice is involving the every generation of the community.

“The youth of today should work for the common good,” he said. “It is part of your responsibilities as humans, as Catholics.”