Roma pastoral care in the context of social work

Introduction

A large Roma national minority lives in Slovakia. It is characterized by its ethnicity, way of living, mentality, own culture, as well as partial history and character differences. From India, in the eleventh century AD, they gradually began to settle all of Europe. In the past, Roma were characterized by nomadism, performing crafts, and practicing their own art. Through nomadism, they practiced their crafts and arts, which were enriching for the living inhabitants, to whom they came as nomads for a certain period of time. Then they moved to other places where they offered their artistic performances and craft services.

The Roma later began to settle by force during the First Czechoslovak Republic. Some Roma families were clearly instructed to move in on the outskirts of the villages. A certain isolation from other residents was dictated to them. This was one of the factors that later caused segregation - greater separation of Roma and members of the majority. This caused greater social exclusion, creating two distinct worlds between the minority and the majority. Later Act No. 74/1958 Coll. on the permanent settlement of nomadic persons prohibited the nomadic way of life in Czechoslovakia. This prohibited the Roma from nomading. Imposed isolation as well as the prohibition of self-realization created considerable social problems with which the Roma have to contend today. During the existence of independent Slovakia, projects designed to help Roma failed. It also seems that social work with this target group is a kind of unnecessary effort. A specific type of social work comes to the aid of these people, which is the pastoral activity of the Greek Catholic Church sui iuris in Slovakia. She carries out her activity for a long time, therefore she records successes in the given area.

Social work with the Roma minority

The Roma minority in society represents a threatened group. It will fight against poverty,1 which represents the most frequent, noticeable and most occurring phenomenon in this society. "The poverty of the Roma in Slovakia shows several specifics and is very often linked to a number of stereotypes that prevail about this group. These stereotypes are limiting and ultimately discriminatory for many Roma in real life." (Mušinka, Pollák, 2018, p. 22)

High unemployment, low educational level and segregation from the majority society are characteristic. These factors occurring in the aforementioned marginalized group negatively affect the quality of its life and the entire society. Roma identity is not easy to reveal, no doubt because it is dynamic, unstable and manifests itself in interaction in disturbed relations between Roma and non-Roma. It is also difficult to determine a complex and relatively uniform ethnic unit from which to derive its origin. Nevertheless, one can legitimately speak of a set of elements that in a certain sense represent a characteristic way of their existence, perhaps disordered, without defined contours, which should be understood as a mentality rather than a basic life attitude. (cf. Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Travelers. Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of Roma, Article 12)

Social work based on Christianity intended for Roma

Social work with the Roma minority is extremely difficult. To be successful, it requires long-term, consistent, continuous activity. According to Novák (2013), social work can generally be characterized as a scientific field focused on professional social care for people and their social environment in which they realize their existence. This is also the case with the Roma minority, who live their lives in their environment. The goal of this activity is the gradual process of social inclusion of Roma into society. "To strengthen the process of social inclusion of Roma living in Roma communities, which will lead to active participation in the life of society, a certain number of Roma is needed who will:

• to initial social change (conversion, initial change in thinking and awareness of the problem),
• to expanding social change (desire to actively use free time, change in the family and change in motives for service, ability to overcome problems),
• to deepening social change (education as a value, independence, work on oneself, acquisition of organizational skills). These Roma will use their example to influence social change in their own communities, and thus the often disturbed relations between Slovaks and Roma will also be restored. (cf. Neupauer, In: From settlement to kingdom)

Principles focused on the social care of people, their social environment and later inclusion in society are based on Christian teachings. The Acts of the Apostles testify to the influence of Christianity on society, and in this we can see the first beginnings of connecting the social teaching of the church with the scientific field of social work. (Novák, 2013). This also applies to the Roma, to avoid addictions, human trafficking, forced prostitution related to poverty, the causes of which can be found in early school leaving, if they do not have the required intellectual equipment, or inappropriate intergenerational habits that are repeated.

Christ's attitudes and deeds towards the needy and weak

The founder of the Church, Jesus Christ, emphasized the poor, the needy and the sick. He appealed for help to those people who were excluded from society, or which society shunned. He himself was against slavery, which was common at that time. There is a parallel with the part where we still have a problem with slavery here and abroad, where people from excluded communities who do not believe in defending themselves end up. Christ was particularly aware of social or status differences between people. However, he rejected interpersonal isolation based on differences. He was in social contact with those people who were despised by the greater part of society at that time. Christ's behavior itself was not only something new, but also groundbreaking in that he emphasized man as a living being who has the same dignity as others. This mission of Jesus must also be understood in the social dimension. Especially in the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus' great concern for the poor, the weak, the sick, the sick and sinners, to whom he offers spiritual and physical healing and liberation, can be seen. An important part of Jesus' mission is the service to these people, who have been marginalized by society for whatever reason. However, this does not mean that only these people were important to Jesus. The rich, even the scribes and Pharisees, also fit into his missionary vision. (cf. Bučko, 2011) Jesus himself encouraged others to serve the weak: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me!" (Mt 19, 21)

In the example of Jesus Christ, as well as in the deeds of his followers, the beginnings of organized social work,2 which is oriented towards the weak, were established. "From these charitable experiences of the Church, modern social work gradually grew, which is carried out mainly by the state or local self-government, but also by non-state organizations." (Bučko, 2011. p. 206)

The Catholic Church in Slovakia promptly follows up on this. In its activities, it defined the space for helping marginalized Roma groups. He singles out experts as well as members of the council of clergy and religious orders for this demanding task. He also invites lay believers to this service, who can perceive this invitation as a life mission.

It is necessary for the clergy to get closer to the Roma. "In addition, the Second Vatican Council called on the bishops to "pay special attention to the faithful who, due to life circumstances, participate little in the proper common pastoral care of pastors, or do not receive it at all" (Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Travelers. Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Roma, Art. 21). The Catholic Church in Slovakia responded to this request of the Second Vatican Council. She became more interested after the fall of the communist regime, and in 1993 the Bishops' Conference of Slovakia founded the Commission for Pastoral Care of the Roma. Since then, the organization of regular pilgrimages began in Gaboltovo in cooperation with the Salesians and the Roma believers themselves. (cf. Kováč, Jurík, 2002, In: summary report on Roma in Slovakia)

Clergy, lay people and other members from religious communities or dioceses are set aside by the Church for this demanding work. The Greek Catholic Church sui iuris in Slovakia is no exception. She also introduced and is introducing a special pastoral care that is devoted to this marginalized group that is always mentioned. The pastorate is already achieving noticeable results.

Special pastoral care for Roma

The experience of pastoral activity often shows that the possible participation of the Roma marginalized group in public worship causes resentment on the part of the majority society. Roma are often not accepted at religious services. The majority is able to stop attending religious services because of the participation of Roma. In practice, this phenomenon was not and is not unique. It is also necessary to point out the different mentalities of both groups. Also, individual actions, prayer gestures and attitudes are frequent indicators of this religious experience, which is often different for both groups. The clergy of the churches solved this by defining Sunday services for the Roma especially on weekdays. From these experiences, the Church creates the conditions for the implementation of special pastoral care3 for the Roma.

The Greek Catholic Church sui iuris operates in Slovakia.4 It is in full communion with the Catholic Church and in unity with the Roman Pope. The Greek Catholic Roma mission, which was founded in Slovakia, also became an independent legal entity. It derives its legal personality from the aforementioned Greek Catholic Church. Its mission is to bring various pastoral, educational, spiritual and social activities to the Romani communities in the territory of the Prešov Greek Catholic Archeparchy. The Roma mission is organizationally divided into the district centers of Čičava – Vranov nad Topľou, Bardejov and Stará Ľubovňa. Currently, the construction of the regional center in Sigorda (Prešov district) is underway. These pastoral centers act as community centers. In addition to the clergy assigned to this mission, there are also lay people employed who perform social work in community centers. They provide social services and counseling.

In 2012, the Greek Catholic Archbishopric of Prešov established a formation center for Roma in the village of Čičava, located in the district of Vranov nad Topľou in eastern Slovakia. It is an independent legal entity that operates under the name Greek Catholic Formation Center for Roma (hereinafter referred to as GFCR). The center derives its legal personality from the Greek Catholic Church sui iuris in Slovakia. The mission of this center is the support and development of social, ethnic, minority and marginalized groups. It develops activities that it has set out as its mission. It also includes cooperation with the third sector and municipalities in its activities.

Activities of the Greek Catholic Formation Center for Roma in Čičava

The mission of the GFCR is the development and support of ethnic, social and other minority groups on the territory of the Slovak Republic (especially Roma communities in rural areas) with the aim of improving their social, socio-economic status, educational and spiritual, cultural level, developing educational activities, as well as improving mutual relations between the Roma and the majority, supporting the cultural and spiritual values of the Greek Catholic Church, supporting the protection of health, nature and the landscape and the creation and environment. (cf. https://romskamisia.sk/misia/vranov/) Before the state, the center acts as a community center5 (hereinafter only KC). The main mission of the center is to provide pastoral care for the Roma minority.

Work with children is carried out at GFCR. It focuses on educational activity. In the center there is a detached workplace of the elementary art school, which provides education for Roma in the field of drama, dance and visual arts. Among other things, there is also tutoring for Roma children, as well as help with homework. A group for children is also organized for pupils. As part of their free time, there is a soccer club for the students. There is also the activity of the Roma scout group, which primarily unites Roma youth. Through scouting, the health of its members is supported, activities related to the protection of nature, the landscape and the creation of the environment are developed. In the summer, summer camps are organized for children and youth, which include a prayer program.

The community center in Čičava provides services to Roma according to §24d par. 1 of Act no. 448/2008 Coll. This is basic social counseling, assistance in exercising rights and legally protected interests (assistance in writing an application for employment, CV, application for social benefits). An important activity of KC is preventive group activities, provision of community rehabilitation, which is aimed at reacquiring lost skills.

In the field of public administration, it cooperates with the municipality itself. They managed to organize an amateur football tournament, which was composed of Roma teams and teams whose players were from the majority. It was about bringing together both groups of the population, which in Slovakia live in isolation next to each other and at the same time do not know each other. They provide humanitarian aid. Mothers are provided with basic packages for newborns, and donated clothes for others.

The aforementioned center supports and develops Roma culture and art in the field of culture. Music groups were founded, which have already recorded their successes, including the release of their own albums and success in scoring competitions of the Christian hit parade. Theatrical activities made up of Roma volunteers recorded their successes when performing mainly in eastern Slovakia. As part of leisure activities, artistic creations are created - wood carvings, paintings, decorative objects, souvenirs, etc.

For GFCR and KC in Čičava, the basic activity is pastoral activity. All other activities that KC performs are part of the pastoral care itself. He regularly performs religious services - Greek Catholic holy liturgies. There is also the organization of a family day, which is attended by families for whom a primarily spiritual program is prepared. As part of the pastoral care provided by the Greek Catholic Church, there is also the administration of the sacraments - the baptism of children, or adults, the administration of anointing,6 which is connected with baptism, confession, the Eucharist, the conclusion of marriages and the administration of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. As needed, the local Greek Catholic clergy go to take care of the sick Roma, where they administer the necessary sacraments. It is an activity through which they show their closeness and compassion to the suffering. The visit itself has a positive effect on patients as well as their relatives. It is helpful in the psychohygiene of a family (or families) living in the same household.

The pastoral activity there brought the first successes in the area of ​​reaching out to young Roma men to become priests and devote themselves specifically to the Roma. She also addressed other young men - priests and theologians who decided for this kind of special pastorate. "Instead of the usual territorial pastoral structure, the Greek Catholic Church points to the importance of creating personal pastoral structures, within which pastoral and social activities aimed at evangelization, human development and the specific needs of the Roma can take place. The activity of a priest who is specially allocated for work or mission among the Roma, independent of the work of the parish, has shown that this is a successful model of service among the Roma, which in this case appears to be more effective than when a priest tries to work with the Roma within his own parish. Specially assigned pastoral workers prove to be extremely important when working with the Roma." (Neupauer, 2020, p. 85, In: From settlement to kingdom) In the midst of Roma communities, the aim of the pastoral center for Roma in Čičava is to establish and support active Christian communities. One of the results is the establishment of a Bible school, which regularly organizes education for the Roma in the religious area and the area of ​​life. They have their own space in the pastoral center in the village of Soľ, they organize various sessions and creative workshops for children, youth and adults. The animation of leisure activities for Roma has its permanent place in the functioning of the center.

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The pastoral center sends its members, both Roma and non-Roma, to Roma settlements. The glad tidings of the Gospel of Christ are announced to the inhabitants there. With field evangelization, the members of the Roma communities are informed about the activities of the center, and thus they are given an offer to take advantage of this opportunity.

If we notice Jesus' evangelistic style, we will notice that Jesus proclaimed the gospel about the Kingdom of God not only in the temple, in synagogues or in houses, but also in public spaces, "under the open sky". (cf. Bučko, 2011) The center provides the services of the community center itself. This evangelization can be considered as a kind of field social work. With the success of this activity, other Roma are informed by the Roma themselves, who are already involved in the activities of the center and have positive experiences with the given center.

The Greek Catholic Church sui iuris in Slovakia sets itself the task of carrying out this special pastoral care, such as establishing these pastoral centers. Thanks to the pastoral results with the Roma, the establishment of other pastoral centers and chapels as places of prayer for the spiritual and personal development of the Roma minority, which responds to such an offer, was initiated and is being initiated. Similar centers are established in the village of Soľ (Vranov nad Topľou district) in Stara Ľubovna, in Lenartov (Bardejov district). The regional center for Roma in the village of Sigord (Prešov district) is currently being completed. "As we see, the Roma issue can turn from a problem into an opportunity. It is enough to bring the Roma into society as equal and full-fledged." (Hajko, 2015, p. 293) Involving willing Roma in the activity is one of the first aspects of their own change. "A big barrier in their activity is a low self-esteem among the Roma, and therefore they need formative opportunities where they get encouragement for activity and skills that will empower them. The goal of pastoral work is to help them release their potential and creativity through active participation, which leads to internal motivation." (Neupauer, 2020, p. 117, In: From settlement to kingdom) And it is the experience of the given center in Čičava and also in other centers that confirm the enormous potential of the Roma for gradual integration into society as well as its enrichment on their part.

Pastoral service as part of social work

On the one hand, we can again talk about segregation, or isolation of Roma in the area of ​​pastoral activity, where Roma are separated from non-Roma. It is often based on negative pastoral experiences, when the Roma minority in churches are not accepted by the believers from the majority. On the other hand, however, special pastoral dedication to the Roma allows the activity of pastoral and community centers to adapt to their mentality, peculiarities, culture and perception. It should be noted that both people from the majority and people from the minority participate in pastoral care with this target group. Here we can observe the connection of both groups of residents in mutual cooperation in achieving the set goals in the field of work with the Roma.

The later inclusion of the Roma minority in common religious services with the majority is perhaps a matter of several generations. The process of socialization and subsequent integration of Roma should be completed by social inclusion, which is initiated and corrected by missionary activity (spiritual revival), social work (community work and field social work) and education followed by employment. All these directions should be actively and rationally supported by the state social policy. They are effective tools for the social inclusion of the marginalized Roma minority in the majority society. (cf. Bešenyei, 2020, In: Z osady do krajestva) The special pastoral care for Roma offered by the Catholic Church in Slovakia represents the possibility of cooperation between the Church and the state in the social area helpful for the Roma minority. Here too, within the framework of such cooperation, the members of the Roma minority and the majority may come together to solve the given problems. The special pastoral care for the Roma can be exemplary and helpful for the classic pastoral care, which is intended for the majority population.

Acts of corporal and spiritual mercy in social work

Pastoral care and social work are closely related and often overlap at common points. If we take some of the works of corporal mercy that are part of the teaching of the Catholic Church, we can dwell on such points as:

• Feed the hungry
• Feed the thirsty
• To dress the naked
• Take on travelers
• To ransom prisoners
• To visit the sick
• To bury the dead

These activities are part of one organization - GFCR and KC in Čičava. As part of humanitarian work, they provide clothing, as part of pastoral care, they visit the sick and people in need. The center sends engaged Roma lay people on missions. Also, the religious services themselves are reserved primarily for Roma.

Among the acts of spiritual mercy that also belong to the teachings of the Catholic Church are the following:

• To admonish sinners.
• To teach the ignorant.
• Give good advice to doubters.
• To make the sad ones happy.
• Bear the blame patiently.
• Forgive those who hurt you.
• To pray for the living and the dead. 7

Pedagogical activity takes place in the center for Roma in Čičava, whether it is tutoring children, scouting, running a basic art school. KC also helps in filling out forms that the Roma cannot deal with, and counseling activities are also conducted for them. Works of mercy are charitable works by which we help our neighbor in his physical and spiritual needs. Teaching, advising, comforting, strengthening are acts of spiritual mercy, as well as forgiving and patiently bearing. The works of corporal mercy are mainly the following: feeding the hungry, taking care of the homeless, clothing the ragged, visiting the sick and prisoners, burying the dead. Among these acts, giving alms to the poor is one of the main testimonies of brotherly love; it is the administration of justice that pleases God. (cf. KCC art. 2447) Pastoral care for the Roma includes all acts of corporal and spiritual mercy. The mentioned acts are part of the performance of social work. Even at these points we can see the connection and intermingling of Christian life, pastoral care8 and social work.

Social work is an integral part of pastoral activity. Pastoral work undoubtedly belongs to the set of social work. Pastorate itself carries out social work. It is oriented towards people and working with them. He tries to help, understand, give dignity to a person and adapt to society. It is similar in the case of Roma pastoral care. The Church itself, which participates in pastoral care with this minority, contributes to the development of social work as a scientific field, which is necessary for it.

Conclusion

Since social work with the Roma minority requires long-term and continuous activity, we cannot only talk about its failures so far. Pastoral care for the Roma, an integral part of which is social work, has far better results than if its social activity were limited only to the distribution of material aid for the Roma. Pastoral activity offers the Roma themselves the opportunity to get involved and thereby fulfill their own existence. Their difference from the majority is respected and the good in them is supported, where they have the opportunity to show their gifts and talents and thus fulfill their own self-realization. Here, Roma can feel that they are accepted and equal, which creates their own motivation to contribute to society as a whole. A change in one Roma can prompt a change in his relatives, loved ones and his surroundings.

Author: PhDr. JUDr. Mgr. Stanislav Bujda, PhD.

LIST OF USED LITERATURE

BUČKO, L.: Missionary and charitable activity. Bratislava : VŠZSP St. Elizabeth. 2011. 248 p. ISBN 978-80-89271-37-5.

THE BIBLE. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Trnava: Society of St. Vojtech, 2012. 1885 p. ISBN 978-80-7162-888-0.

HAJKO, J.: Throw a stone at me. Coexistence with Roma in Slovakia. Český Těšín : Slovart, 2015. 424 p. ISBN 978-80-556-1437-3.

Catechism of the Catholic Church. Trnava: Society of St. Vojtecha, 2007. 918 p. ISBN 978-7162-657-2.

KOVÁČ, M. and JURÍK, M.: Religiosity of Roma and activities of churches in relation to Roma. In: Ed.

VAŠECKA, M.: CACIPEN PAL O ROMA. Summary report on Roma in Slovakia. Bratislava: Institute for Public Issues, 2002.

MEKEL, M. – KOLESÁROVÁ, D.: From settlement to kingdom. Prešov: Petra. 2020. 129 p. ISBN 978-80-8099-149-4.

MUŠINKA, A. – POLLÁK, M. Things are going well. Successful examples of municipalities in coexistence with Roma. OZ Krásny Spiš: Prešov. 2018. 85 p. ISBN 978-80-89975-00-6.

Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Travelers. GUIDELINES FOR PASTORING THE ROMA https://kbs.sk/obsah/sekcia/h/dokumenty-a-vyhlasenia/p/dokumenty-vatikanskych-uradov/c/smernice-pastoracia-romov (17/02/2021, 14:15)

https://romskamisia.sk/misia/vranov/ (17/02/2021, 17:00)

Law no. 74/1958 Coll. on the permanent settlement of nomadic persons

Law no. 448/2008 Coll. about social services

PHOTOS USED

www.romskamisia.sk, Ján Dvorščák

1 It should be noted that poverty is not characteristic of all Roma. This phenomenon also occurs among members of the majority. 2 The early Christian communities paid special attention to the poor, whom they accepted among them. There was also common solidarity for the poor. Communities created common goods to reasonably satisfy the needs of members. They also created primitive rescue nests. 3 Represents pastoral care for a certain group of believers. Pastoral activity sets goals for working with these groups, which appropriately reflects their needs. 4 of own law 5 From February 2021 6 The Sacrament of Confirmation 7 Acts of corporal and spiritual mercy are included in pastoral activity, which are also manifested in the Čičavsk KC. 8 GFCR and other CCs perform these acts