Latest OMI JPIC News
Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Natal, মেরি ক্রিসমাস December 23rd, 2020
(Thanks to Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI for sharing this Christmas message)
2020 has been a challenging year, sad in many ways for hundreds of thousands of people. Many have lost loved ones and many have lost their home and fallen into greater poverty.
We come to the end of 2020 filled with hope and expectation of a better, different, new world. We join in the hope that together we can be part of creation with all living beings a renewed world and environment.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Joyeux Noël et Bonne et Heureuse Année, Feliz Navidad y un Feliz Año Nuevo, Feliz Natal e um Feliz Ano Novo, Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo, মেরি ক্রিসমাস এবং একটি শুভ নববর্ষ, Selamat natal dan tahun baru, கிருஸ்துமஸ் மற்றும் புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துகள், සුභ නත්තලක් සහ සුබ නව වසරක් වේවා, ĝojan Kristnaskon kaj Feliĉan Novan Jaron, क्रिसमस और नया साल मुबारक हो
Presenting our 2021 Winter JPIC Newsletter December 18th, 2020
After a lengthy hiatus, we are excited to share the 2021 Winter JPIC Report in our new template. Please share your feedback and story ideas by emailing us at: jpic@omiusa.org.
A PDF version of the newsletter can be downloaded here.
Past issues can be found in the Resources section of the website.
JPIC Report is the twice-yearly newsletter of the US Oblate JPIC Office. It is an informational resource about and for Oblates and others involved in the work of promoting justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
International Migrants Day 2020 December 16th, 2020
As the world observes International Migrants Day on December 18, read a statement by Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres.
Secretary-General’s video message for the launch of the Report “From Promise to Action: The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration”
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Two years ago, Member States came together in Marrakech and committed to a comprehensive framework for cooperating on international migration.
The report we are launching today describes how the Global Compact for Migration is taking root in promising ways.
The Compact reflects a growing global understanding of the great benefits of human mobility.
But it also recognizes that, if poorly managed, migration can generate huge challenges, from a tragic loss of life to rights abuses and social tensions.
COVID-19 has heightened those challenges and had negative effects on more than 2.7 million migrants, particularly on women and girls.
At the same time, we have seen new practices emerging to protect migrants during today’s upheaval.
Several countries extended residence and work permits. Others have regularized the status of undocumented migrants. Some States have pursued alternatives to immigration detention.
And while some States have suspended returns owing to unsafe conditions, others have made efforts to ensure that those returning or who have been deported are supported.
These initiatives need to be expanded. However, much more can and should be done. Read the full statement.
Advent Guide 2020: Building a Culture of Peace December 4th, 2020
Photo credit: Max Beck, Unsplash
(Prepared by Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns)
The Season of Advent offers us a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace. This Advent, we invite you to reflect on what it would look like to build a culture of peace – a journey that begins with peace in our hearts and leads to peace in our local communities, nation, and world.
In our work we understand peace as not merely the absence of war or violence, but the presence of just social systems and right relationships between different members of society.
This guide includes reflection on the weekly Scripture readings during Advent, as well as prayers and examples of Maryknoll missioner experiences and suggested steps for “faith in action.” We hope this guide helps individuals and communities reflect on how they can welcome the Prince of Peace this Advent.
CMSM: Election Returns & Continued Civic Engagement November 9th, 2020
Reprinted from the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Justice & Peace Alert
Clergy, faith, and academic leaders who have journeyed with their respective ministry communities this election season may find themselves facing unprecedented questions. When will the election anxiety conclude? How do we wait in the unknowing? How do we proceed with generosity and kindness if the results do not come back the way that we anticipated? Where do we go from here?
Several collaborators have material that might be useful for your consideration. Pax Christi USA shared a reflection by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv on Wednesday that concludes with the charge “to be instruments of healing for all who have been excluded and do not have the luxury of waiting.”
