Catholic Quote by Catholic Church
““1883. ...The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co-ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.””
About This Quote
Source Document: Catholic Social Teaching, 1991, Papal Encyclical
Subsidiarity means higher‑level communities support, not dominate, lower‑level ones, aiming for the common good.
In simple terms: Higher bodies should help, not control, lower groups.
Key Takeaway
Support without overreach.
Themes
social justice
governance
community
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- local governance
- church administration
- non‑profit coordination
- public services
Key Concepts
subsidiarity
common good
decentralization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance support and autonomy?
- When does assistance become interference?
A Different Perspective
Higher authorities may still impose control despite good intentions.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
![“Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.” quote by Benedict of Nursia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2f/benedict-of-nursia-29376_catholic_girded-with-faith-and-the-performance-of_6463.jpg)
