The Theology of Food

How can the theology of food be traced through Christian history, and what is its particular significance in Asian and Pacific Island cultures?

Fr. Linh Hoang, O.F.M., professor of religious studies, presented the keynote address "A Listening Heart: Spirituality and Food," at the Asian and Pacific Island National Encounter 2024. It was held July 15-17 at Indiana University as a pre-event of the National Eucharistic Congress. "Faith: The Witness of Asian and Pacific Islander Catholics" was sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic Affairs, to which Fr. Linh is a consultant.

Fr. Linh explained that the National Encounter was an opportunity to assess what has been done to implement the 2018 USCCB statement "Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters."

"I was part of it from the very beginning and was one of the principal writers," he said. "The event really was a culmination and celebration of that response and the faith, culture and contributions of the API community."

In his keynote, Fr. Linh spoke of how immigrants use food to stay connected to their homeland when they move to a new country. Sharing food is also a way to introduce themselves to one another.

"Food is at the center of Asian and Pacific Island culture. Asian families don't always demonstrate a lot of emotion, so it's a way for parents to express their love for their children. Food is always the basis of any gathering," he explained to his audience. "It's a way to welcome guests into their homes. It's being nourished by mind, body and soul, but also through the presence of Jesus, the food that comes from the Eucharist."

This sharing of food also plays a significant role in Scripture: Fr. Linh noted that nearly every major story involves sharing food and drink, most memorably during Christ's Last Supper with his apostles.

"Bread was easy to transport and readily accessible to everyone, and unlike meat was not sacrificed to Roman gods. Wine was safer to drink than water, which may have been contaminated."
Attendees at the National Encounter also explored how the climate crisis is disproportionately affecting Asian and Pacific Island nations, given their proximity to ocean coasts and rivers, and how practical needs such as food and shelter are also connected to spiritual and emotional needs.

"It was really joyful, and there was such a vibrancy that was present," Fr. Linh said of the gathering. "I think it energized participants in their prayer lives and in the importance of engaging with people of different backgrounds and cultures. There was a certain energy that was clearly the Holy Spirit working through people."

In addition to teaching at Siena, Fr. Linh co-directs a certificate program in Asian and Pacific Islander ministry through the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. He will travel to Vietnam and Southeast Asia this fall with Br. Michael Perry, O.F.M., director of the Laudato Sí Center, as part of Pope Francis's Laudato Sí initiative to address the climate crisis.
Siena's friars were recognized earlier this summer at the annual fundraising gala hosted by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.

The friars were honored for "their commitment to education and instilling the values of justice and service in every individual who passes through their doors," according to Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities.

"The Franciscan community at Siena College is an inspiration to thousands of students and alumni," said Sr. Van Deusen. "They imbue throughout the Capital Region and beyond their commitment to justice and peace, Catholic social teaching and the value of community."

Proceeds from the June 20 Gala for Good, held here on campus, will support the vital services that Catholic Charities provides across their 14-county region, including affordable housing, food insecurity services, family and child support programs and more.

"As Francis of Assisi kissed the leper of his day, Catholic Charities recognizes and brings forth the human dignity of all people today embracing especially the economically poor and vulnerable. Together we are partners in ministry, committed to building a world that is more just, peaceable, and humane," said Fr. Mark G. Reamer '83, O.F.M., the College's vice president for mission who served as guardian of the Friary at the time of the event. "We speak of a Siena education as 'the education for a lifetime,' and by that we mean a whole life, not half a life; a life in which our students don't simply explore the truth; they do the truth. They don't simply ponder theories of justice and peace in the classroom; they become instruments of justice and peace in society. They don't merely read about love as an abstract noun; they exercise love as an active verb in meaningful work, life-giving relationships and selfless service."