{"id":37881,"date":"2020-07-24T18:35:10","date_gmt":"2020-07-24T18:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cappusa.wpengine.com\/?page_id=37881"},"modified":"2026-08-20T16:49:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T16:49:35","slug":"consumerism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/consumerism\/","title":{"rendered":"Consumerism"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_block_row et_pb_row_fullwidth\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_0 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border\" href=\"\/consumerism\/#newsletter\" data-icon=\"5\">Join our Newsletter<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h1>Consumerism<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_2 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough M-4_grid\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module M-4_grid-item M-4_grid-item1 grid-item_gap-fill\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module M-4_grid-item M-4_grid-item1 fade-text\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Jeopardizes My Fulfillment<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_animated et_pb_module et_block_module M-4_grid-item M-4_grid-item2 fade-text\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><div class=\"M-4_grid-item2_shape\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"M-4_grid-item2_text\">\n<p>\"Having\" not \"Being\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_0 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_block_module M-4_grid-item M-4_grid-item3\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><video controls><\/video><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_video_overlay\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/chairs-dining-room-food-wealth-yacht-luxury-consumerism-culture-harbor-nature.jpg)\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_overlay_hover\"><a class=\"et_pb_video_play\" href=\"#\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_animated et_pb_module et_block_module M-4_grid-item M-4_grid-item4 fade-text\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Opposes Truth, Beauty &amp; Goodness<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module M-4_grid-item M-4_grid-item5 fade-text\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Calls for a Reviewal of Lifestyles<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_3 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\"><strong>Why is it a Problem?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module et_pb_text_align_center\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span>Consumerism \u201cis always marked by a\u2026less <strong>appropriate concept of man<\/strong> and of his true good.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope St. John Paul II, 36<\/a><\/h5>\n<h5><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span>\u201cConsumerism is a virus that tarnishes faith at its root\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><span><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2019\/documents\/papa-francesco_20191201_omelia-comunitacattolica-congolese.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope Francis<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_4 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_1_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_1 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border\" href=\"\/category\/all-articles\/consumerism\/\" data-icon=\"5\">Consumerism Articles<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_5 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_5 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width bullets-module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201c<strong>The true danger\u2026is <\/strong>what anaesthetizes the heart: it is <strong>dependence on consumption<\/strong>\u201d<span>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2019\/documents\/papa-francesco_20191201_omelia-comunitacattolica-congolese.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201cThe <strong>a<\/strong>pex of development is the exercise of the right and duty to seek God, to know him and to live in accordance with that knowledge.\u201d\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 29)<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Consumerism <strong>leads us to \u201cshut out others\u201d<\/strong> <span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a> and \u201cexcess enslaves you\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/angelus\/2024\/documents\/20240714-angelus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><span><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_toggle_0 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border read-more bullets-module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">READ MORE<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p>We \u201cbecome not the lords and masters but the slaves of material wealth\u201d.\u00a0<span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"http:\/\/m.vatican.va\/content\/pius-xii\/it\/speeches\/1943\/documents\/hf_p-xii_spe_19431224_radiom-natalizio-popoli.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Pius XII, 1a)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s5\"><span>\"The worship of mammon, possessions and power is proving to be a counter-religion\u2026The desire for happiness degenerates\u2026into an unbridled, inhuman craving\". <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/benedict-xvi\/en\/speeches\/2011\/october\/documents\/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20111027_assisi.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"alternate-link\">(Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Our \"technological society has succeeded in multiplying occasions of pleasure, yet has found it very difficult to engender joy.\" <span class=\"s5\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/paul-vi\/en\/apost_exhortations\/documents\/hf_p-vi_exh_19750509_gaudete-in-domino.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"alternate-link\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 67)<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span class=\"s5\">\"<strong>Those who look for the salvation of society from the machinery of the world economic market have remained thus disillusioned<\/strong> because...they served [it] without reference to the highest end of man, making it an end in itself.\"<em> <a href=\"http:\/\/m.vatican.va\/content\/pius-xii\/it\/speeches\/1943\/documents\/hf_p-xii_spe_19431224_radiom-natalizio-popoli.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"alternate-link\">(Pope Pius XII, 1a)<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s5\">Consumerism \u201cmakes you believe that life depends solely on what you have\u2026The Lord comes, but you prefer to follow the longing you feel; your brother knocks at your door, but he is a nuisance to you because he upsets your plans \u2014 and this is the attitude of consumerism.\u201d <span><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2019\/documents\/papa-francesco_20191201_omelia-comunitacattolica-congolese.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"alternate-link\">(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_6 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_6 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated et_pb_row_fullwidth\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\">It's Personal<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5>Consumerism leads to\u00a0<span>\u201c<\/span>attitudes and <strong>life styles\u2026 which are objectively improper<\/strong> and often\u00a0<span>damaging to physical and spiritual health<\/span><span>\u201d<\/span><span>.<\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope St. John Paul II, 36<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_0 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/people-drinking-liquor-and-talking-on-dining-table-close-up-696218.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/people-drinking-liquor-and-talking-on-dining-table-close-up-696218.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/people-drinking-liquor-and-talking-on-dining-table-close-up-696218-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/people-drinking-liquor-and-talking-on-dining-table-close-up-696218-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/people-drinking-liquor-and-talking-on-dining-table-close-up-696218-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1920px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-37933\" title=\"people-drinking-liquor-and-talking-on-dining-table-close-up-696218\" alt=\"People drink wine at a dinner table, showing the personal level at which consumerism could affect us\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module bullets-module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul style=\"padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;\">\n<li><span>\u201c<strong>Prevents man's growth <\/strong>as a human being\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>\u201cWeakens the development and stability of personal relationships\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/evangelii-gaudium\/#67\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 67)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>\u201cStands in opposition to [our] true grandeur.\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_toggle_1 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border read-more bullets-module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">READ MORE<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\"><strong>Leads to<\/strong> \u201c<strong>stultified moral development<\/strong>.\u201d<span>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\">\u201cPrevent us from cherishing each thing and each moment.\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 222)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\"><strong>Creates \u201cinclinations towards immediate gratification\u201d<\/strong>.\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 29)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\">Leads to \u201cthe mere accumulation of pleasures\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 222)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\">\u201cCan baffle the heart\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 222)<\/a><\/span><em><span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\">It's Societal<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5>\u201cNations can fall prey to\u2026<strong>soul stifling materialism<\/strong>\u201d.<\/h5>\n<h5><span><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope St. Paul VI, 19<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_1 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/people-intersection-pedestrian-walk-city-downtown-billboard-economy-culture-ads-shopping-consumerism.jpg\" width=\"648\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/people-intersection-pedestrian-walk-city-downtown-billboard-economy-culture-ads-shopping-consumerism.jpg 648w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/people-intersection-pedestrian-walk-city-downtown-billboard-economy-culture-ads-shopping-consumerism-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 648px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-41290\" title=\"people-intersection-pedestrian-walk-city-downtown-billboard-economy-culture-ads-shopping-consumerism\" alt=\"People walk along a city street surrounded by billboards, showing the effect of consumerism on society as a whole\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module bullets-module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul style=\"padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;\">\n<li><span>Creates \u201cdissension and disunity\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>\u201c<strong>Distorts<\/strong> <strong>family bonds<\/strong>\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/evangelii-gaudium\/#67\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 67)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Leads to \u201cexcessive promotion of purely utilitarian values\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 29)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_toggle_2 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border read-more bullets-module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">READ MORE<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p><span>Makes us \u201cgather together solely for reasons of self-interest\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201c<strong>Human beings<\/strong> <strong>are<\/strong> <strong>themselves considered consumer goods<\/strong> to be used and then discarded.\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/evangelii-gaudium\/#53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 53)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Makes \u201cit difficult to recognize and respect the hierarchy of the true values\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 29)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cJeopardizes\u201d our \u201ccollective fulfillment\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 18)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_7 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_7 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_8 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_0 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_top et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4>The Solution<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_16 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201c[E]ach of us is called to <strong>return to what is essential<\/strong> in our own lives, to <strong>discard all that is superfluous<\/strong> and a potential hindrance on the path of holiness. And <strong>that path of holiness is non-negotiable<\/strong>.<\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/speeches\/2022\/december\/documents\/20221222-curia-romana.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope Francis, 1<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_8 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_8 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row et_animated\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_9 et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_2 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-3791617.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-3791617.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-3791617-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-3791617-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-3791617-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1920px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-37978\" title=\"concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-3791617\" alt=\"A woman gets rid of boxes of junk, showing how we could start dealing with consumerism\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_10 et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_17 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4><span class=\"s7\" style=\"color: #ffffff;\">It Starts with Me!<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_18 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>\"Neither individuals nor nations should regard the possession of more and more goods as the ultimate objective.\"\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><span>\"One must be guided by <strong>a comprehensive picture of man<\/strong> which respects all the dimensions of his being\".\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><span>\"<strong>No authentic progress is possible without<\/strong> respect for the natural and fundamental right to know the <strong>truth<\/strong> and live according to that truth.\"\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span a=\"\" class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"http:\/\/w2.vatican.va\/content\/john-paul-ii\/en\/encyclicals\/documents\/hf_jp-ii_enc_01051991_centesimus-annus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 29)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_9 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_9 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated et_pb_row_fullwidth\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_11 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_19 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\">What Must I Do?<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_20 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5><span>\u201c<\/span><span>Happiness means <strong>knowing how to limit some needs<\/strong> which only diminish us<\/span><span>\u201d<\/span><span>. When we become obsessed with possessing and enjoying \u2013 <strong>we cannot be free<\/strong>.<\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><span><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope Francis, 223<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_3 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/white-and-black-floral-cap-sleeved-shirt-994523.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/white-and-black-floral-cap-sleeved-shirt-994523.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/white-and-black-floral-cap-sleeved-shirt-994523-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/white-and-black-floral-cap-sleeved-shirt-994523-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/white-and-black-floral-cap-sleeved-shirt-994523-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1920px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-38143\" title=\"white-and-black-floral-cap-sleeved-shirt-994523\" alt=\"A row of blouses hanging on a rack, making us call into question whether our purchasing habits contribute to consumerism\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_21 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module bullets-module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul style=\"padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;\">\n<li>\u201c<strong>Do I really need all these material objects<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: 'Open Sans', Times, serif; font-size: 14px;\"> and complicated recipes for living?\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2018\/documents\/papa-francesco_20181224_omelia-natale.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">We should \u201cbe spiritually detached from what we possess\u201d.\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 222)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>\u201cCan I manage [to] live a life of greater simplicity?\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2018\/documents\/papa-francesco_20181224_omelia-natale.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_toggle_3 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border read-more bullets-module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">READ MORE<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p><span><strong>\u201cCan I manage without all these unnecessary extras\u201d?<\/strong>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2018\/documents\/papa-francesco_20181224_omelia-natale.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We are called to \u201cmoderation and the capacity to be happy with little\u201d. <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 222)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>We are called \u201cnot to succumb to sadness for what we lack.\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 222)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_12 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_22 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\">What Must Society Do?<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_23 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5>Society is called to \u201c<span><strong>a serious review of its lifestyle<\/strong>, which in many parts of the world is prone to <strong>hedonism and consumerism<\/strong>, regardless of their harmful consequences<\/span>\u201d.<\/h5>\n<h5><span><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/caritas-in-veritate\/#51\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope Benedict XVI, 51<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_4 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1920px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-37759\" title=\"People out shopping in the post christmas sales\" alt=\"People walk by garish billboards advertising a sale, showing how society is assaulted by consumerism\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_24 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module bullets-module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul style=\"padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;\">\n<li>\"A given <strong>culture<\/strong> reveals its overall understanding of life through the <strong>choices it makes<\/strong> in production and consumption\".\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\"A great deal of educational and cultural work is urgently needed, including\n<ol>\n<li>the <strong>education<\/strong> of <strong>consumers<\/strong> in the responsible use of their power of choice,<\/li>\n<li>the <strong>formation<\/strong> <strong>of<\/strong> a strong sense of responsibility among:\n<ul style=\"padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;\">\n<li><strong>producers<\/strong>,\u00a0and<strong>;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>the <strong>mass media<\/strong> in particular;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: 14px;\">necessary<\/strong> <strong style=\"font-size: 14px;\">intervention<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"> by public authorities.\"\u00a0 <\/span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_toggle_4 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border read-more bullets-module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">READ MORE<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p><span class=\"s5\">Every \"decision to invest in one place rather than another, in one productive sector rather than another, is always a moral and cultural choice.\"\u00a0<span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s5\"><span>\"A striking [and extreme] example of artificial consumption contrary to the health and dignity of the human person\u2026is the use of drugs\u2026as well as pornography and other forms of consumerism which exploit the frailty of the weak\".\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_10 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_13 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_1 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_bottom et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_10 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_11 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row et_animated et_pb_row_fullwidth\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_14 et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_25 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4>Let us be clear...<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_26 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>\u201c<strong>It is<\/strong> <strong>not wrong to want to live better<\/strong>\u201d. <span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a> \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">The pursuit of life's necessities is quite legitimate\u201d. <\/span><span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 18)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In fact, \u201cSuch sobriety, when lived freely and consciously, is liberating.\u201d\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 223)<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And, this \u201cis not a lesser life or one lived with less intensity. On the contrary, it is a way of living life to the full\u201d!<span>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 223)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_15 et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_5 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop-1280x825.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop-980x632.jpg 980w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop-480x310.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1920px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-38271\" title=\"tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_12 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row et_animated et_pb_row_fullwidth\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_16 et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_6 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop-1280x825.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop-980x632.jpg 980w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop-480x310.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1920px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-38271\" title=\"tai-s-captures-r2V3dyuD2sg-unsplash-crop\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_17 et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_27 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4>Let us be clear...<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_28 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>\u201c<strong>It is<\/strong> <strong>not wrong to want to live better<\/strong>\u201d. <span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a> \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">The pursuit of life's necessities is quite legitimate\u201d. <\/span><span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 18)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In fact, \u201cSuch sobriety, when lived freely and consciously, is liberating.\u201d\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 223)<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And, this \u201cis not a lesser life or one lived with less intensity. On the contrary, it is a way of living life to the full\u201d!<span>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 223)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_11 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section et_animated mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_13 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_18 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_29 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module et_pb_text_align_center\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5>\u201c<strong>What is wrong is a style of life<\/strong>\u2026which wants to have more, not in order to be more but in order <strong>to spend life in enjoyment as an end in itself<\/strong>.\u201d<\/h5>\n<h5><span><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope St. John Paul II, 36<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_2 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_bottom et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_12 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_14 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_19 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_30 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\">The True Remedy<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_31 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #054369; font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-weight: 500;\">\u201cOnce <strong>Jesus<\/strong> dwells in our heart, the <strong>center of life<\/strong> is no longer my ravenous and selfish ego, but the One who is born and lives for love.\u201d<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/homilies\/2018\/documents\/papa-francesco_20181224_omelia-natale.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope Francis<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_13 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_14 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_15 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_20 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_32 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module bullets-module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #054368;\">\u201cEvery kind of <strong>progress is a two-edged sword<\/strong>. It is necessary if man is to grow as a human being; yet it can also enslave him, if he\u2026cannot look beyond it.\u201d<span>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #054368;\">Man must \u201c<strong>subordinate<\/strong>[s] <strong>his<\/strong> <strong>material<\/strong> and <strong>instinctive<\/strong> <strong>dimensions<\/strong> to his interior and spiritual ones.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. John Paul II, 36)<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_15 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_16 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_21 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_2_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_2 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border\" href=\"\/category\/all-articles\/consumerism\/\" data-icon=\"5\">Consumerism Articles<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_16 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_17 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_22 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_33 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_34 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #054368; font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-weight: 500;\">The <strong>goal of Catholic social teaching<\/strong> is for <strong>life-styles<\/strong> in which<span>\u00a0\u201cthe quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others...determine [our] consumer choices, savings and investments.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope St. John Paul II, 29<\/a><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #054368; font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-weight: 500;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #054368; font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-weight: 500;\">\u201c<span>No authentic progress is possible without respect for the natural and fundamental...right to <strong>discover and freely to accept Jesus Christ<\/strong>, who is man's true good.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><span><a class=\"alternate-link init\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pope St. John Paul II, 29<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_3 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_bottom et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_17 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_18 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_23 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_35 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #054368;\">Environmental Degradation<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_36 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #084369; font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-weight: 500;\">The <strong>ills<\/strong> caused by Consumerism <strong>do not stop at<\/strong> the personal, societal and spiritual<br \/>ones just described. Pope Francis identifies Consumerism\u2019s \u201cdynamic of dominion\u201d\u00a0<span><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/laudato-si\/#222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Laudato Si, 222)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>as <strong>a key cause of the degradation of our environment<\/strong> \u2013 the next Pathology we will explore.<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_3_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_3 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border\" href=\"\/environmental-degradation\/\" data-icon=\"5\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_18 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_19 et_pb_row et_block_row et_animated\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_24 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_37 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module et_pb_text_align_center\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">The Answer to These Pathologies is the Family<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_4_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_4 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module hover-btn-border\" href=\"\/the-family\/\" data-icon=\"5\">Learn why<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_19 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_20 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_25 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_5 et_block_column et_pb_column_empty et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_26 et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_38 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\">The Four Pathologies<\/span><\/h4>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>The Church\u00a0<\/span><b>identifies four dangers or major \u2018risks and problems\u2019<\/b><span>\u00a0eating away at the cultural, economic, and political systems\u00a0<\/span><b>and begins to identify how to cure them<\/b><span>.<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider_0 et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_slider_show_image et_animated et_pb_module et_block_module three-principles\" id=\"issues-slider\"><div class=\"et_pb_slides\"><div class=\"et_pb_slide_0 et_pb_slide et_pb_slide_with_image et_pb_media_alignment_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_text_align_center et_clickable\" data-slide-id=\"divi\/slide-0\"><div class=\"et_pb_container\"><div class=\"et_pb_slider_container_inner\"><div class=\"et_pb_slide_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon3.png\" width=\"769\" height=\"567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon3.png 769w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon3-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon3-768x566.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" class=\"wp-image-34045\" \/><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_description\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_slide_title\"><a href=\"\/consumerism\/\" target=\"\" class=\"et_pb_slide_title_link\">Consumerism<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"et_pb_slide_content\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>\u201cThe exclusive pursuit of material possessions prevents man's growth as a human being and stands in opposition to his true grandeur.\u201d\u00a0<span class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/populorum-progressio\/#19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope St. Paul VI, 19)<\/span> A person who is concerned solely or primarily with possessing and enjoying \u2013 who can no longer subordinate his instincts - cannot be free.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_1 et_pb_slide et_pb_slide_with_image et_pb_media_alignment_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_text_align_center et_clickable\" data-slide-id=\"divi\/slide-1\"><div class=\"et_pb_container\"><div class=\"et_pb_slider_container_inner\"><div class=\"et_pb_slide_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon1.png\" width=\"769\" height=\"567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon1.png 769w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon1-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon1-768x566.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" class=\"wp-image-34047\" \/><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_description\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_slide_title\"><a href=\"\/environmental-degradation\/\" target=\"\" class=\"et_pb_slide_title_link\">Environmental Degradation<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"et_pb_slide_content\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Both our physical and human environment are at risk and the Church insists we ignore neither! \u201cIt is contradictory to insist that future generations respect the natural environment when our educational systems and laws do not help them to respect themselves. The book of nature is one and indivisible: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.\"<\/span>\u00a0<em><span style=\"color: #eb7425;\"><a class=\"alternate-link\" style=\"color: #eb7425;\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/caritas-in-veritate\/#51\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_2 et_pb_slide et_pb_slide_with_image et_pb_media_alignment_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_text_align_center et_clickable\" data-slide-id=\"divi\/slide-2\"><div class=\"et_pb_container\"><div class=\"et_pb_slider_container_inner\"><div class=\"et_pb_slide_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon2.png\" width=\"769\" height=\"567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon2.png 769w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon2-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon2-768x566.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" class=\"wp-image-34046\" \/><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_description\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_slide_title\"><a href=\"\/alienation\/\" target=\"\" class=\"et_pb_slide_title_link\">Alienation<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"et_pb_slide_content\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>We are losing the \u201cauthentic meaning of life\u201d!<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>When we\u00a0<\/span><span>refuse to transcend ourselves \u201cand to live the experience of self-giving\".<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"alternate-link\" style=\"color: #eb7425;\"><a style=\"color: #eb7425;\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/centesimus-annus\/#41\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>(Pope St. John Paul II, 41)<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/span> when society \u201cis marked by a \u2018globalization of indifference\u2019 that makes us\u2026closed in on ourselves.\u201d <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/messages\/peace\/documents\/papa-francesco_20131208_messaggio-xlvii-giornata-mondiale-pace-2014.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(Pope Francis, 1)<\/a> \u00a0both the individual and society are alienated.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_3 et_pb_slide et_pb_slide_with_image et_pb_media_alignment_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_text_align_center et_clickable\" data-slide-id=\"divi\/slide-3\"><div class=\"et_pb_container\"><div class=\"et_pb_slider_container_inner\"><div class=\"et_pb_slide_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon4.png\" width=\"769\" height=\"567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon4.png 769w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon4-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/icon4-768x566.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" class=\"wp-image-34044\" \/><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide_description\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_slide_title\"><a href=\"\/under-development\/\" target=\"\" class=\"et_pb_slide_title_link\">Radical Secularism<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"et_pb_slide_content\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cThe greatest challenge of our time is secularization\u201d <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/benedict-xvi\/en\/speeches\/2006\/april\/documents\/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060406_xxi-wyd.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"alternate-link\" style=\"color: #eb7425;\"><em>(Pope Benedict XVI, 3)<\/em><\/span>\u200b<\/a>\u00a0<span>Why? Radical secularism holds that there is no such thing as an objective truth. But, \u201cWithout truth, without trust and love for what is true, there is no social conscience and responsibility, and social action ends up serving private interests and the logic of power.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/caritas-in-veritate\/#5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>(Pope Benedict XVI, 5)<\/em>\u200b<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_27 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_5 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_column_empty et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_20 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section mosaic_width footer-newsletter\" id=\"newsletter\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_21 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row et_animated mosaic_width\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_28 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_39 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module et_pb_text_align_center\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h4>Sign Up For Our Newsletter:<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_column_29 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_0 et_pb_code et_pb_module footer-newsletter\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"wpforms-container wpforms-container-full\" id=\"wpforms-26576\"><form id=\"wpforms-form-26576\" class=\"wpforms-validate wpforms-form\" data-formid=\"26576\" method=\"post\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" action=\"\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37881\" data-token=\"28aa1376cf7eb1e1faf4b46faed197a3\" data-token-time=\"1790324128\"><noscript class=\"wpforms-error-noscript\">Por favor, activa JavaScript en tu navegador para completar este formulario.<\/noscript><div class=\"wpforms-field-container\"><div id=\"wpforms-26576-field_1-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-email\" data-field-type=\"email\" data-field-id=\"1\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label wpforms-label-hide\" for=\"wpforms-26576-field_1\">Email <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"email\" id=\"wpforms-26576-field_1\" class=\"wpforms-field-large wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][1]\" placeholder=\"Your Email Address\" spellcheck=\"false\" required><\/div><\/div><!-- .wpforms-field-container --><div class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-hp\"><label for=\"wpforms-26576-field-hp\" class=\"wpforms-field-label\">Comment<\/label><input type=\"text\" name=\"wpforms[hp]\" id=\"wpforms-26576-field-hp\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\"><\/div><div class=\"wpforms-recaptcha-container wpforms-is-turnstile\" ><div class=\"wpforms-turnstile\" data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAB9CKDO48yJZ19cC\" data-action=\"FormID-26576\"><\/div><input type=\"text\" name=\"g-recaptcha-hidden\" class=\"wpforms-recaptcha-hidden\" style=\"position:absolute!important;clip:rect(0,0,0,0)!important;height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border:0!important;overflow:hidden!important;padding:0!important;margin:0!important;\" data-rule-turnstile=\"1\"><\/div><div class=\"wpforms-submit-container\" ><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[id]\" value=\"26576\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_title\" value=\"\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_url\" value=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37881\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"url_referer\" value=\"\"><button type=\"submit\" name=\"wpforms[submit]\" id=\"wpforms-submit-26576\" class=\"wpforms-submit alternate-link\" data-alt-text=\"Sending...\" data-submit-text=\"Submit\" aria-live=\"assertive\" value=\"wpforms-submit\">Submit<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>  <!-- .wpforms-container --><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_21 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section footer-bottom\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_22 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row et_pb_row_fullwidth\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_30 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_40 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_41 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module et_pb_text_align_center\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"font-size: 12px\">CAPP-USA (Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, Inc.) is the United States affiliate of the Vatican-based pontifical foundation of <a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.centesimusannus.va\/en\/\">Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice<\/a>, established by Pope St. John Paul II in 1993 to promote Catholic Social Teaching in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. CAPP-USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"font-size: 12px\"><a class=\"alternate-link\" href=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/sitemap\/\">Sitemap<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_42 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_column_31 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_43 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><\/div><ul class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_0 et_pb_social_media_follow clearfix et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_module et_block_module\"><li class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_0 et_pb_social_media_follow_network et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-linkedin et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/centesimus-annus-pro-pontifice-the-vatican\/?viewAsMember=true\" class=\"icon\" title=\"Follow on Linkedin\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name\">Follow<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_1 et_pb_social_media_follow_network et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-twitter et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cappusa\" class=\"icon\" title=\"Follow on &lt;p&gt;Twitter&lt;\/p&gt;\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name\">Follow<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_2 et_pb_social_media_follow_network et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cappusaorg\/\" class=\"icon\" title=\"Follow on &lt;p&gt;Facebook&lt;\/p&gt;\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name\">Follow<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_3 et_pb_social_media_follow_network et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/CAPPUSATV\" class=\"icon\" title=\"Follow on &lt;p&gt;Youtube&lt;\/p&gt;\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name\">Follow<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_4 et_pb_social_media_follow_network et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/capp__usa\/\" class=\"icon\" title=\"Follow on Instagram\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name\">Follow<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"et_pb_text_44 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"text-align: center;font-size: 12px\">info@capp-usa.org<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_column_32 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough ds-vertical-align\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_45 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_46 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h5 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"font-size: 12px\"><strong>Phone:\u00a0<\/strong>(888) 473-3331<\/span><\/h5>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"font-size: 12px\"><strong>Address: <\/strong>295 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10017<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_47 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-37881","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Consumerism and Catholic Social Teaching | CAPP-USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Consumerism is a style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Problem called Consumerism\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/consumerism\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"CAPP-USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cappusaorg\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-20T16:49:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"The Problem called Consumerism\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"A style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@cappusa\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Tiempo de lectura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/\",\"name\":\"Consumerism and Catholic Social Teaching | CAPP-USA\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-07-24T18:35:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-20T16:49:35+00:00\",\"description\":\"Consumerism is a style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Consumerism\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"CAPP-USA\",\"description\":\"Founded by St. John Paul II - Catholic Social Teaching in Action\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":[\"ReligiousOrganization\",\"Place\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"CAPP-USA\",\"alternateName\":\"CAPP-USA\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/cappusaorg\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/cappusa\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/centesimus-annus-pro-pontifice-the-vatican\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CAPPUSATV\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/capp__usa\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/cappusa.substack.com\\\/\"],\"parentOrganization\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.centesimusannus.org\\\/\",\"parentOrganization\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Holy See\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wikidata.org\\\/wiki\\\/Q159583\"}},\"founder\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Pope St. John Paul II\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wikidata.org\\\/wiki\\\/Q989\"},\"memberOf\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Catholic Church\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wikidata.org\\\/wiki\\\/Q9592\"},\"nonprofitStatus\":\"501(c)(3)\",\"taxID\":\"20-0265464\",\"knowsAbout\":[\"Catholic Social Teaching\",\"Magisterium\",\"Papal social encyclicals\",\"Centesimus Annus\"],\"subjectOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.centesimusannus.org\\\/en\\\/activities\\\/local\\\/united-states\\\/\",\"name\":\"United States \u2013 Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice\"},\"description\":\"CAPP-USA is the American arm of the Vatican-based Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Fondazione. Our mission is to spread the knowledge and practice of Catholic Social Teaching.\",\"legalName\":\"Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, Inc.\",\"foundingDate\":\"1993-06-05\",\"telephone\":[],\"openingHoursSpecification\":[{\"@type\":\"OpeningHoursSpecification\",\"dayOfWeek\":[\"Monday\",\"Tuesday\",\"Wednesday\",\"Thursday\",\"Friday\",\"Saturday\",\"Sunday\"],\"opens\":\"09:00\",\"closes\":\"17:00\"}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/consumerism\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/07\\\/CAPP-USA-Logowhite-bluebg-2019.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/5.capp-usa.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/07\\\/CAPP-USA-Logowhite-bluebg-2019.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1920,\"caption\":\"CAPP-USA\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Consumerism and Catholic Social Teaching | CAPP-USA","description":"Consumerism is a style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"es_MX","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Problem called Consumerism","og_description":"A style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d","og_url":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/consumerism\/","og_site_name":"CAPP-USA","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cappusaorg","article_modified_time":"2026-08-20T16:49:35+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1280,"url":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"The Problem called Consumerism","twitter_description":"A style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d","twitter_image":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/AdobeStock_99001910.jpg","twitter_site":"@cappusa","twitter_misc":{"Tiempo de lectura":"9 minutos"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/","url":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/","name":"Consumerism and Catholic Social Teaching | CAPP-USA","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/#website"},"datePublished":"2020-07-24T18:35:10+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-20T16:49:35+00:00","description":"Consumerism is a style of life directed towards \u201chaving\u201d rather than \u201cbeing\u2026 a web of false and superficial gratification.\u201d","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Consumerism"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/","name":"CAPP-USA","description":"Founded by St. John Paul II - Catholic Social Teaching in Action","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":["ReligiousOrganization","Place"],"@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/#organization","name":"CAPP-USA","alternateName":"CAPP-USA","url":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/","logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cappusaorg","https:\/\/x.com\/cappusa","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/centesimus-annus-pro-pontifice-the-vatican","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CAPPUSATV","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/capp__usa\/","https:\/\/cappusa.substack.com\/"],"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice","url":"https:\/\/www.centesimusannus.org\/","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Holy See","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q159583"}},"founder":{"@type":"Person","name":"Pope St. John Paul II","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q989"},"memberOf":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Catholic Church","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q9592"},"nonprofitStatus":"501(c)(3)","taxID":"20-0265464","knowsAbout":["Catholic Social Teaching","Magisterium","Papal social encyclicals","Centesimus Annus"],"subjectOf":{"@type":"WebPage","url":"https:\/\/www.centesimusannus.org\/en\/activities\/local\/united-states\/","name":"United States \u2013 Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice"},"description":"CAPP-USA is the American arm of the Vatican-based Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Fondazione. Our mission is to spread the knowledge and practice of Catholic Social Teaching.","legalName":"Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, Inc.","foundingDate":"1993-06-05","telephone":[],"openingHoursSpecification":[{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":["Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday","Friday","Saturday","Sunday"],"opens":"09:00","closes":"17:00"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/consumerism\/#local-main-organization-logo","url":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/CAPP-USA-Logowhite-bluebg-2019.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/CAPP-USA-Logowhite-bluebg-2019.png","width":1920,"height":1920,"caption":"CAPP-USA"}]}},"meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37881","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37881"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37881\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":58769,"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37881\/revisions\/58769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.capp-usa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37881"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}