Abstract:
The goal of this paper is to elaborate a bibliographic analysis on two themes that are pertinent
in the theological and psychological practice, Down syndrome and resilience. For this reason
we elaborated the first chapter, analyzing Down syndrome, with its genetic and diagnostic
issues and with orientations to the family and the caregivers. In the second chapter we sought
out references about resilience and its impact on people. We understand that it is a received
and acquired characteristic and therefore an instrument of hope. We finalized our study
describing the benefits of the exercise of resilience for the families of persons with Down
syndrome, the relevance of the family, practical examples from the Old and New Testament
and the present and what the psychological profile of resilient individuals would be,
remembering that this awakening of resilience not only can be promoted by professionals in
the health area, but principally within ecclesiastic environments that, many times, has acted
with exclusion and discrimination and not with love, generosity and caring for the most
needy. When a family of a person with Down syndrome is welcomed and accepted in the
church, we are truly fulfilling the second commandment of Jesus Christ: love your neighbor
as yourself.
