Latest OMI JPIC News
Provincial Update Fr. Louis Studer, OMI: Zambia April 6th, 2018
Fr. Louis Studer, OMI describes his recent trip to the U.S. Delegation in Zambia along with U.S. Vicar-Provincial for Personnel, Fr. Art Flores, OMI, and U.S. Treasurer, Fr. Jim Chambers, OMI. (Video runs approximately 6 Minutes)
Missionary Oblates Join Investors Calling for Corporate Action to Address Gun Violence April 3rd, 2018
Missionary Oblates JPIC has joined the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and over 140 institutional investors in a statement calling on gun manufacturers, retailers and distributors, as well as companies with ‘financial ties to these industries, to review their operations, supply chains, and policies and take meaningful action on this public safety concern.’
The recent Parkland, Florida school shooting has ignited robust calls for action on the issue of gun violence. As an organization committed to justice and peace, we pray for victims and their families and join this rallying cry for immediate action on gun violence.
The investor statement was issued on March 29th and contributors to the statement include members of ICCR who have led engagements with gun manufacturers and retailers for several years. The letter outlines specific measures companies can immediately put in place, to reduce the risk of gun violence. Some of these recommendations were adapted from the Sandy Hook Principles, a set of guidelines aimed at curbing gun violence and coming out of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy,
You can read the full statement here.
Have a blessed Easter! March 29th, 2018
“May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds,” and enable all of us to relive the experience of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. By listening to God’s word and drawing nourishment from the table of the Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more ardent in faith, hope and love. (Pope Francis, 2018 Lenten Message)
Missionary Oblates Join Catholic Leaders Expressing Concern About Refugee Resettlement March 27th, 2018
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate has joined the U.S. Catholic Bishops and Catholic Organizations in issuing a joint letter expressing deep concerns about historically low refugee resettlement to the United States during this time of global humanitarian need.
The letter by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, Catholic Organizations and Religious leaders letter reads;
“We are deeply concerned about both the historically low target that the Administration has set for refugee admissions for Fiscal Year 2018, as well as by the extraordinarily low number of refugees that the United States is on pace to resettle during the current fiscal year. ”
“For 37 years, the U.S. has been a world leader in welcoming and resettling refugees, and the U.S. Catholic Church has been a committed partner in this work. As Christians, our concern for refugees is integral to our life of faith.”
The Provincial of the U.S. Missionary Oblates, Fr. Louis Studer, OMI, recommended Oblates sign on to the letter, also signed by 1600 Catholic organizations, women and men religious, and lay leaders. all concerned about the current state of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
March for Our Lives Event is this Saturday, March 24 March 22nd, 2018
As we approach the end of Lent, a time to reflect on the life of Jesus in light of our present-day issues, we join the entire country in prayer and reflection for victims of gun violence and urge tougher action on gun laws. The Parkland, Florida school shooting has ignited robust calls for action on the issue of gun violence. As an organization committed to justice and peace, U.S Missionary Oblates JPIC is united in one voice with our young people who are speaking out and rallying against the incidence of gun violence in their schools.
We are empowered by words from the 2016 Missionary Oblates Chapter in Rome: “In these times of great global changes, we respond to the call of the Spirit, as did St. Eugene De Mazenod: being close to the new faces of the poor, the most abandoned….”
Young people and adults concerned about gun violence will converge on Washington, DC this Saturday, March 24, to participate in the March for Our Lives Rally. They will stand in solidarity with victims and demand the appropriate steps are taken so children feel safe in their schools. The rally will begin at 12:00 pm ET on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd street and 12th street NW. Please find more information and RSVP here! Hundreds of sibling marches are also planned for other places in the U.S and the world. Click here to find an event near you.
The Franciscan Action Network and other Catholic groups are planning a candlelight vigil at the U.S. Capitol to witness against gun violence. The vigil will be from 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, March 23. On Saturday, March 24 they will gather at 11 am outside St Patrick’s Church (619 10th St NW, Washington, DC) and walk with other people of faith to the start of the March at 3rd and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
For more information visit the March’s official page.
Can’t participate in one of the rallies? Sign the petition to protect and save our children.
