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OMI JPIC Among Investors Urging Businesses to Protect Workers Amid the Coronavirus Crisis March 31st, 2020
As the social and economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic are quickly becoming clear, including a looming recession, growing unemployment and significant operational and supply chain interruptions, the well-being of millions of workers hangs in the balance.
While it is clear that social isolation is crucial to protect workers and to control the spread of the virus, widespread layoffs by companies will only exacerbate the current economic turmoil and further destabilize markets, say the investors.
As a result, investors are taking action.
On March 26th, a group of nearly 200 investors led by Domini Impact Investments, ICCR and the New York City Comptroller’s Office issued a 5-point plan for businesses to protect workers amid the crisis. Key points include:
- provide paid leave,
- prioritize health and safety,
- maintain employment,
- keep supplier/customer relationships, and
- fiscal prudence.
Read the full statement and see the list of signatories here.
2020 Lenten Reflections March 6th, 2020
Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI has developed 2 to 3 minute reflections that explore the many facets of Lent and Easter, bringing you to a closer understanding of the Paschal Mystery. Visit OMIUSA’s webpage to listen daily through Lent: https://www.omiusa.org/index.php/…/02/25/lenten-reflections/
2020 Joint Meeting of the General Mission Committee & General Service of JPIC February 28th, 2020
The Joint Meeting of the General Mission Committee & General Service of JPIC (February 24-28) Rome, Italy
On February 25, Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI, was the resource person of the day. He is the Chief of Faith Consistent Investing, OIP Investment Trust; and past Chair of the Board of Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR).
Among the pictures, you will find the translation booths where Bonga Thami, Diego Saez Jean Marie Sene help the participants with translations.
(L to R) Fr. Daniel Leblanc, OMI & Fr. Fernando Velazquez, OMI
Pope Francis and World Leaders Call for Inclusive Economy February 5th, 2020
Pope Francis addressed a small group of Finance Ministers, the head of the IMF and noted economists urging the creation of new global debt and tax policies that can reduce inequality and end poverty.
“Pope Francis asserts that to live in a world with so much wealth, when there is so much poverty, is sinful,” stated OMI JPIC partner Eric LeCompte who leads the religious development group Jubilee USA. LeCompte serves on United Nations finance expert groups. “Inequality and extreme poverty are the results of current debt and tax policies that concentrate wealth in too few hands.”
The high-level seminar, New Forms of Solidarity Towards fraternal Inclusion, Integration and Innovation Seminar, was organized by the Papal Academy of Social Sciences and held in the historic Casina Pio IV.
During the event, Kristalina Georgieva who heads the IMF, encouraged curbing tax avoidance and evasion. Nobel Laureate, Joseph Stiglitz and Argentine Minister of Economy, Martin Guzman related the deep need for a global bankruptcy process to prevent financial and debt crises. Read more about the meeting on Jubilee USA’s website.
Catholic University Students Meet for Evening Prayers in French at Oblate Administrative Offices November 6th, 2019
In anticipation of All Saints’ Day, students from Catholic University (Dept. of Modern Languages) met for evening prayers in French at the Oblate Administrative offices across the street from the school.
There were twelve participants at the prayer event, organized by Br.Joey Methé, OMI. The students later publicly extended a warm thank you to Frère Joey for hosting the prayer group, posting about the event on social media and the school’s website.
There are tentative plans for OMI JPIC to host more of these events in the future.
Br. Joey Methé, OMI Professes 2nd Vows October 22nd, 2019
On Thursday, October 17, 2019, Br. Joey Methé, OMI renewed his 2nd vows to the Congregation in the presence of U.S Oblates and his Provincial, Fr. Luc Tardif, OMI of Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province in Quebec, Canada. The renewal of vows was done during a prayer service presided over by Fr. Tom Coughlin and Provincial Tardif offered these words with the assembly: It is with joyful hearts to see you renewing your vows for another year and to commit yourself to live your life as an Oblate authentically and always open to helping others. We are lucky to have you and we bless you as you continue your journey with us.
The OMI JPIC office shares in the joy of Br. Joey’s recommitment for another year and pray God’s grace and blessings on him.
(From L to R) Br. Joey Methé, OMI and Fr. Luc Tardif, OMI
PROFILE: Br. Joey Methé, OMI
Br. Joey Methé, OMI, is a creative professional who has always been passionate about social solidarity and ecological justice. He began his activist work when he was elected President of l’Association des étudiantes et étudiants francophones (AEF) at Laurentian University in Sudbury (Canada), advocating for the linguistic rights of francophone students and fighting for unhindered access to post-secondary education. He then went on to work for the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa for over 9 years as the Communications Director. After years of leadership in the student movement in Canada, he became a religious brother with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on August 1st, 2018. This was his way to answer Jesus’ call to be in solidarity with those who are forgotten, abandoned and oppressed.
Br. Joey is from Notre-Dame-du-Cap Oblate Province in Canada and is currently studying Theology at the University of St Paul, Ottawa.
He was the 2019 summer intern at the JPIC USA office and has now become a part of the office staff. As an oblate brother in formation, he hopes to learn from the expertise of the JPIC staff, continue his work studying and analyzing the mining/extractives industry, and offer his creative media production skills to the OMI justice, peace and integrity of creation ministry.
