Streetwise priest
Streetwise priests are Roman Catholic priests who exercise their spiritual mandate by living in structures in direct contact with the "street", which is their mission land. Historical streetwise priests include Philip Neri and John Bosco.
Recently, the expression came to denote priests with reformist ideas, especially those involved in reform movements for social justice in a Christian context through service to the poor and marginalized. Their work covers various areas, such as education, marginalization, imprisonment, development cooperation, drug addictions, disabilities, orphans and abandoned children, prostitution, and homelessness.
In many cases, streetwise priests form groups, associations, or communities, especially inclusive of laity.
Through 2008, debates and conflicts with ecclesiastical hierarchy existed regarding Catholic social teaching and implementing the Second Vatican Council's doctrine.
Notable streetwise priests
Below is a list of priests who have been described as streetwise.Central America
- Oscar Romero, El Salvador
- Padre Gadalupe, James Carney, American missionary murdered in Honduras 1983
- Juan José Gerardi Conedera, Guatemala
South America
- Padre Cacho, UruguayDon Gonzalo Aemilius, Uruguay
- Monsignor Hélder Câmara, BishopDon Júlio Lancellotti, Brazil
North America
- Larry Rosebaugh, O.M.I.
- Greg Boyle
- Michael Pfleger
France
- Abbé Pierre
- Father Guy Gilbert
Italy
- Monsignor Tonino Bello, BishopDon Oreste Benzi, Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIIIDon Luigi Ciotti, Gruppo Abele and LiberaDon Peppino Diana, priest against the CamorraDon Andrea Gallo, Comunità di San Benedetto al PortoDon Lorenzo Milani, Scuola di BarbianaDon Pino Puglisi, victim of the Sicilian Mafia
- Father Alex Zanotelli