Latest OMI JPIC News
Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI Moderates Environmental Justice Event June 2nd, 2023
In April, the Socially Responsible Investment Coalition (SRIC) held their 2023 Annual Educational Event, Environmental Justice: Reducing Ecological Impacts and Social Inequalities at Whitley Theological Center – Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.
The event was moderated by Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI and the first ever Citizen Advocate Excellence Award was presented to Sr. Elizabeth Riebschlaeger, CCVI. Keynote speakers were, Virginia Palacios, Executive Director of Commission Shift and City Councilman Mario Bravo, representing San Antonio District 1.
WATCH THE EVENT VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq0OYDdRYHg
Virginia Palacios, spoke on her experiences in the Eagle Ford Shale of South Texas and environmental justice. City Councilman Mario Bravo, spoke of his time working on political campaigns, eventually transitioning into work around clean energy/energy efficiency. He noted his first job after graduating from college was with the Environmental Defense Fund.
For over a decade, the honoree Sr. Elizabeth, has worked with small communities throughout the Eagle Ford Shale that are experiencing health impacts and environmental pollution from oil and gas development, helping them to navigate agency complaints and permitting processes, and drawing attention to the issues they face.
VIDEO: JPIC’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform Report II May 22nd, 2023
Caring for our common home is essential to Missionary Oblate’s mission to the poor, because they are the ones most affected by the devastation to the planet.
In this resource we draw on work that was prepared by VIVAT International. In our Laudato Si’ Action Platform II we revisit the commitments we have taken on and ponder what other action steps we might add..
Laudato Si’ Week is May 21 to 28 May 19th, 2023
Act to Make a Difference
Beginning on Sunday, May 21, Laudato Si’ Week is an annual observance to celebrate the anniversary of Pope Francis’ papal encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home.” This year’s theme is “Hope for the Earth. Hope for humanity.” Communities are encouraged to respond to the call of Pope Francis through reflection, prayer and action.
To learn more visit this website: laudatosiweek.org
Learn more about Oblate ecological initiatives at La Vista Ecological Learning Center – https://www.lavistaelc.org/ – which offers programs and resources for living consciously.
The Oblates have joined Catholics worldwide in making a congregational commitment to Laudato Si. Click here to view our commitments.
Organized by their GreenTeam, Sacred Heart Parish in Oakland, CA Joined the local Pax Christi & neighboring parishes for an Earth Day clean up. Read the story here.
View part II of OMI JPIC’s Laudato Si Action Platform and watch the video: we revisit the commitments we have taken on and ponder what other action steps we might add.
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 2023 May 16th, 2023
Laudato Si’ Week: May 21-28, 2023
Laudato Si’ Week 2023 will be celebrated May 21-28 with the film “The Letter” to mark the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical
on care for creation. This global celebration will unite Catholics to rejoice in the progress we have made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life, and show how the protagonists of “The Letter” are already doing so.
The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis and includes an exclusive dialogue with the Pope.
WATCH the film here: http://www.theletterfilm.org/watch/
LEARN more about Laudato Si’ Week: https://laudatosiweek.org/
La Vista Hosts Inter-Community Novitiate May 11th, 2023
On April 26th La Vista hosted Inter-Community Novitiate Program in St. Louis, MO. The focus was on how ecological restoration projects on the OMI Novitiate land help to preserve biodiversity. There were nine novices and three formators present.
