Caring for Widows
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains in depth the human, spiritual, and social role the Church must carry out toward widows, considering them among the most needy for care. The lecture shows a high pastoral sensitivity that combines consolation, assistance, care for children, finding sources of income, and protection from psychological and social dangers.
1. Understanding the widow’s suffering and circumstances
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A widow faces three main problems: the absence of a man, lack of money, and responsibility for children.
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Educationally, the absence of the father weakens discipline and authority, increasing the burden on the mother.
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A young widow, especially if beautiful, may face temptations or exploitation from relatives or strangers and needs protection.
2. Society’s view and the widow’s position
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Traditions often allow a man to remarry freely, while restricting a widow.
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A widow with children is less likely to be accepted for remarriage due to the responsibility of supporting children.
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This may expose her to risks of improper relationships or moral danger.
3. The Church’s role in protecting widows
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The Church must know each case personally through visitation and distinguish true need from false claims.
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The Church protects the widow from financial exploitation by relatives or others, especially regarding inheritance or managing the deceased husband’s work.
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The Church also helps with legal documentation to secure the rights of the widow and her children.
4. Categories of widows according to St. Paul
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A widow who remarries.
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A widow who raises her children and needs material and social support.
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A widow consecrated to serve and considered part of the Church’s workers.
5. The importance of work and productive occupation
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Work protects the widow from loneliness and negative thoughts, and gives her value and a sense of continuity.
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Work may be material, spiritual, social, or home-based.
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Children also need help to learn a profession or craft for their future.
6. Financial and social support
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Monthly stipends, seasonal assistance, and health care.
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Helping provide supervision and care for children when necessary.
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Cooperation between richer and poorer churches, with unified efforts between the mother church and local churches.
7. Finding suitable projects
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Some work suits the city, such as food production companies or ready-made goods.
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Other work suits the countryside, such as poultry-raising or beekeeping.
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The important thing is choosing work that suits the widow’s abilities and environment.
8. A comprehensive pastoral vision
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Not all widows are the same: some are rich, some poor, some educated, some illiterate, some young, some old.
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Care must therefore be individual and personal, matching the needs of each case.
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The Church must visit them continually, especially during the first anniversary of widowhood, to understand their new needs and circumstances.
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