Caring for the Intellectually Disabled

The lecture addresses the human and spiritual dimension of caring for the intellectually disabled, emphasizing that their service is not only a social duty but a true test of compassion and Christian love.

📌 First: The Core Message

• His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that many people cannot handle caring for the intellectually disabled, even within their own families, which leads some to place them in care institutions.

• He clarifies that these institutions may sometimes be used to get rid of them, while the true goal should be to offer full and sincere care.

📌 Second: The Spiritual Dimension

• He stresses that caring for them requires tender and compassionate hearts filled with Christian love that neither discriminates nor hardens.

• He explains that lacking a compassionate heart prevents a person from serving prisoners, the disabled, and the intellectually disabled.

• He affirms that they are human beings with dignity before God and must receive care that respects their humanity.

📌 Third: Psychological and Spiritual Guidance

• He states that an essential part of psychological care is not making them feel abnormal or rejected by society.

• He mentions examples of illustrated religious stories where biblical characters appear with features similar to theirs, conveying the message that they are not alone or different.

📌 Fourth: The Role of the Church

• He notes that the Church has become more aware of serving special cases, no longer caring only for “the good people,” but extending its service to:

  • The disabled

  • Prisoners

  • The intellectually disabled

• He places these groups under the title: Care of Special Cases.

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