The transcendence of the Roman Catholic Church’s Holy Bread

Bearer and usher of cultural sustainability

Abstract

Culture is a variable less considered as a part of the pillars of sustainability which is usually composed of social, economic, and environmental pillars alone. It is often associated as a subpart of the social pillar since focuses on ideas and practices of a group of people. However, this paper justifies that it should stand and be permanently designated with its own pillar. This is to be done by focusing on food, bread in particular, as well as religious practices. Specifically, through the analysis of the Holy Bread and the spiritual values and meanings attached to it by the Roman Catholic Church, this study illustrates a two-pronged argument that: (1) the bread, by the process towards and state of transcendence as a Holy Bread, is a bearer and proof of the essentiality of sustainability’s cultural pillar; and (2) through this bearing of cultural sustainability, this pillar becomes essential for the existence of the other three pillars of sustainability. Utilizing official texts and sources from the Church itself, this study provides evidence for its argument leading to a conclusion that the concept of sustainability finds the cultural pillar a necessity. Further recommendations for future studies and policy making are provided.

Keywords: Culture, Sustainability, Cultural Sustainability, Holy Bread, Roman Catholic Church