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Fr. George McLean, OMI Lauded in Article January 13th, 2010
“In 40 years of quiet work, Oblate Fr. George F. McLean has traveled the globe — China, India, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America — promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding on basic human and social issues among thinkers in scores of countries.” Thus begins a fascinating account of the life work of Fr. George McLean, OMI – written by Jerry Filteau, Washington correspondent of the National Catholic Reporter.
In ending, Filteau says: “In today’s world of ideas, it’s truly hard to assess what impact any single person has had, but it’s at least arguable that McLean may have had more influence on world events over the past 40 years than many far more public figures of that era.”
Port au Prince Archbishop Killed in Earthquake – Thousands Dead in Destruction of Haitian Capital January 13th, 2010
Thousands are dead in the violent earthquake that devastated Haiti yesterday. News is difficult to come by, but it has been reported that the archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot, has died in the Haiti earthquake. His body was found by fellow missionaries in the ruins of the archdiocesan office.
Frs. Fred Charpentier and Adrien Difficile, communicating via email, have reported that the main building of the Provincial House in Port au Prince remains standing but an addition built about nine years ago has totally crumbled. An Oblate, who was inside when the tremors were first felt, managed to leave safely before the building collapsed. The Theology residence in Turgeau, close to Port-au-Prince, has also been totally destroyed.
Les Cayes, located on the southwest coast, also experienced the tremors but apparently suffered little or no destruction. That area on Wednesday had electricity but no phones and again, communication was by e-mail.
This statement on Haiti was released by the Oblate Central Administration:
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January Proclaimed Human Trafficking Month January 12th, 2010
President Obama has proclaimed January 2010 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1.
The US State Department estimates that 14,500-17,500 people are trafficked into the United States each year in a modern-day version of slavery. These numbers do not show the estimated 100,000 minors that are trafficked within U.S. borders into prostitution, nor do they show the individuals that never receive services or law enforcement intervention.
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Carl Kabat, OMI interviewed on St Louis TV Station January 11th, 2010
Carl Kabat, OMI – jailed for an anti-nuclear protest and released just before Christmas – was interviewed by a St. Louis TV station on December 30th. Fr. Kabat, 76 years old, has spent a total of 18 years behind bars off and on throughout his life. He has been breaking into nuclear weapons facilities since the 1970’s, trying to send a message of peace.
“You have to put yourself where your words are – otherwise you’re just kind of like flapping your jaws…,” said Kabat.
When he’s not behind bars, Father Kabat spends most of his time in the North St. Louis community doing outreach ministry to the poor.
Spanish Environmental Brochures Now Available January 8th, 2010
Spanish language versions of the new OMI JPIC Environmental Brochures are now available for download and printing.
Visit our Spanish site and look for the post: Nuevos Folletos sobre Uso de Agua, Alimentos, Productos de Limpieza Inofensivos, Comercio Justo y Más!
Oblates interested in receiving printed brochures can request copies from the US Oblate JPIC Office. Please email Mary O’Herron.
