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Work of OIP Investment Trust Cited in The Economist Magazine August 23rd, 2017
The OIP Investment Trust was mentioned in a piece on impact investing from last week’s Economist magazine. “It is a pretty unusual place for the Oblate missionary presence to get attention,” says Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI, Chief of Faith Consistent Investment.“It does however demonstrate, I would argue, that the innovative vision of the founders of the OIP some 25 years ago is bearing fruit and at the forefront of developing new ideas, avenues and strategies for bringing the Good News to this essential sector of society.”
Read the article in PDF format.
Visit The Economist’s website.
Parishioners March to Protest the Building of a Border Wall August 21st, 2017
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New Solar Hot Water System Installed at Albergue Las Memorias August 18th, 2017
This spring OMI JPIC launched a “Hospice Vegetable Garden Initiative” at Albergue Las Memorias A.C., a residential hospice facility in Tijuana, Mexico. Because volunteers provided much of the labor for the garden, money was left over to install a solar water heater system at the residence. So recently JPIC director Fr. Antonio Ponce, along with Oblate seminarians Erickson, Pascal, and Mr Orosco (a resident at Casa Memorias and plumber by trade) worked on installing the system. The installation was a success and residents now have hot running water. Prior to this they used wood to heat water because they could not afford gas.
(From L to R) Mr. Orosco (resident at Albergue Las Memorias), Fr. Antonio Ponce, and Pascal.
(From L to R) Erickson, Mr Orosco (resident at Albergue Las Memorias), and Pascal.
READ MORE ABOUT THE HOSPICE VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Fr. Superior General’s letter for the “Year of Oblate Vocations” August 9th, 2017
Click here to read the letter en Español
L.J.C. et M.I.
Dear Brother Oblates, and all our Brothers and Sisters associated with the Oblate Charism,
Happy feast of the Assumption of Our Lady!
Most Rev. Louis Lougen, IMO
During the course of the past few years, the voices of many young Oblates of various Regions of the Congregation, alive with passion for our future, made it clear to the members of the Central Government that they wanted support and direction in renewing the ministry of inviting new members to join us. They expressed their love for our charism and the desire to invite new members, often in the face of discouragement and criticism from fellow Oblates who simply accept and even justify the lack of young men interested in missionary religious life.
Some senior Oblates, likewise, were calling for a renewed commitment to vocation ministry. They expressed their deep faith in God’s ability to raise up vocations even in the most challenging situations. Remember the rock which Moses struck! They are convinced that the Spirit’s action still draws young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
In light of these voices, on December 8, 2013, I addressed a letter to the Congregation regarding the ministry of vocations. Oblates felt supported to move ahead in promoting vocational awareness. One of the first fruits of this movement of the Spirit was the Vocational Year 2015-2016 celebrated by the Region of Latin America. This was the first Region, and the only one so far, in our Congregation to sponsor a vocational year and to organize a congress for an entire Region. Congratulations!
Another fruit was the first Congregation-wide vocation congress held in Aix in July of last year with 32 Oblates from all over the world. The theme was beautiful and significant: ” ‘Come and See’ (John 1:39): Focusing on the Joy and Generosity of Our Oblate Life.” The members of this Congress called the Congregation to dedicate a year to the theme of Oblate vocations. This momentum of the Spirit was welcomed by the 2016 General Chapter, and a recommendation was given to the newly-elected Central Government: “Declare a Year for Oblate Vocations during the current mandate, as recommended by the Congress on Oblate Vocations.” (Article 28.4, p. 31 ACTS, English edition).
In response to the call of the General Chapter, I announce the “Year of Oblate Vocations” from December 8, 2017 to January 25, 2019.The theme is that from the Congress of vocations of 2016: ” ‘Come and See!’ (John 1:39): Focusing on the Joy and Generosity of Our Oblate Life.”
This “Year of Oblate Vocations” will both give support to and be strengthened by Pope Francis’ call for a year dedicated to “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” In fact, his personal message to us at the audience with the members of the General Chapter on October 7, 2016, placed before us the urgency to commit ourselves to vocation ministry in light of the needs of the Church: “The work to be done in order to achieve all of this (a Church for everyone) is vast; and all of you also have your own specific contribution to offer… The current field of mission seems to expand every day… Therefore, there is need of you, of your missionary courage, your availability to bring to everyone the Good News that frees and consoles” (Acts, Address of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, p. 5, English Edition). These words, and his entire message, do not sound like Pope Francis believes we have done our job, that we can retire our Crosses and can now fade into the past. The Church is counting on us to respond to the needs of the poor today, and to “write new pages” in the history of evangelization!
The “Year of Oblate Vocations” is being coordinated by Fr. Cornelius Ngoka, OMI, under his portfolio as Assistant General for Formation. The organizing committee is headed by Father Antoni Bochm, General Councilor for Europe, with the assistance of Father Guillaume Muthunda, General Councilor for Africa/Madagascar. More information will be forthcoming. I ask that each Unit already begin to think creatively and work to make this year a dynamic renewal of our commitment to vocation ministry. The formation of a special committee in each Unit, working together with the Unit leadership, would be a most appropriate way to begin to plan this special “Year of Oblate Vocations.”
On this feast of Mary’s Assumption, we recall the special grace Saint Eugene received while blessing the statue of Mary Immaculate on August 15, 1822. That grace lifted his worries about the future of his little missionary group and gave him the assurance that it was not just his own idea, but truly the work of the Spirit. He was given the conviction that “our dear Society” would be the source of great holiness for us and of great missionary benefit for the Church. We entrust the “Year of Oblate Vocations” to Mary Immaculate, the model and guardian of our consecrated life. May her witness engender in us a deep belief that nothing is impossible with God. Her presence in prayer among us will make this “Year of Oblate Vocations” a Spirit-filled happening, giving us surprising perspectives and filling us with immense hope.
Already I would like to express my gratitude for your generous and full-hearted participation in this “Year of Oblate Vocations.”
Sincerely in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,
Solemnity of the Assumption, August 15, 2017.
July 30, 2017 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons July 27th, 2017
Every year, millions of children, women and men fall into the hands of traffickers, lured by fake promises and deceit. Human trafficking has become a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise, affecting nearly every country in the world.
On the 2017 World Day against Trafficking in Persons, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) calls on all to ‘act to protect and assist trafficked persons.’ The theme highlights the impact of conflict and natural disasters and the multiple risks of human trafficking that many people face. It addresses a key issue concerning trafficking responses: that most people are never identified as trafficking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or protection provided.
On the 2017 World Day against Trafficking in Persons remember the victims of this crime and show your support.
Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Learn more about the issue at this anti-trafficking website.
In her book Stolen, Katariina (Kat) Rosenblatt, Phd, writes about her personal experience of being a survivor of sex trafficking, her escape and subsequent work with American children.
Read a book review I Have a Voice – Trafficked Women – in their own words by Mary O’Herron
Visit the UN Office on Drugs and Crime for more information and ways to get involved
Fr. Seamus Finn’s work on derivatives is profiled on PBS’s Nightly Business Report July 19th, 2017
Fr. Seamus Finn’s work on derivatives is profiled on PBS’s Nightly Business Report.
Watch the Nightly Business Report from June 7, 2010…
How does
the financial system affect the poorest of the poor? Watch the June 7th issue of the Nightly Business Report for a segment on faith-based investors and efforts to rein in the derivatives market – a cause of the recent instability that has affected nearly everyone.
In an interview with Darren Gersh, Seamus Finn, OMI clearly draws the connections between decisions made by bankers and the lives of the poor. Fr. Finn talks about the need for greater disclosure of derivative risk – disclosure that a significant number of other shareholders have favored in recent Resolutions with Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs. Up next is legislation on Capitol Hill that could force banks to spin off their derivatives business.
Watch the Nightly Business Report from June 7, 2010 on Vimeo…
