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U.S. Provincial Reflects on the New Year and What’s Ahead for 2021 January 8th, 2021
By Will Shaw with Fr. Louis Studer, OMI
Fr. Louis Studer, OMI
On January 5th U.S. Provincial Fr. Louis Studer, OMI took some time to reflect on the new year and discuss some of the important events taking place in the province in 2021.
COVID in the Province
The men of the U.S. Province have not escaped the devastation of the COVID virus. Fr. Studer reported that a total of 10 Oblates have passed away from complications of Covid during 2020 and into the first week of 2021. Many more Oblates who had COVID infections are now recovering or have recovered.
Oblates are known for being “close to people,” and that closeness makes it especially risky for Oblates as they do ministry. Oblates in Tijuana, San Fernando, CA, New Orleans, LA and San Antonio, TX all contracted the virus after coming into contact with COVID positive individuals in the course of doing their ministry. Fr. Studer discussed the Oblate response to the pandemic:
“We’re called during this emergency to find and develop new and creative ways to do ministry that will enhance the safety of our men and the people to whom we minister,” said Fr. Studer. “I’m impressed that many of our parishes are now streaming masses and reaching out through ZOOM meetings and phone calls. I saw that Fr. Jack Lau gave out communion at Sacred Heart in Oakland to people who drove by in cars, Oblates at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows offered drive-by blessings on special days. Though we look forward to the time when distribution of the vaccines will allow us to go back to doing things in a more normal fashion, we will continue to utilize technology to enhance our ministries and reach more people.”
Read the full story at OMIUSA.org.
Living Out the OMI Charism: Fr. Ray Cook Participates in Pfizer Vaccine Trial December 30th, 2020
By Fr. Raymond Cook, OMI
As COVID-19 furiously attacked in the early months of the outbreak, the world was experiencing uncertainly, life changes and economic hardships. Rice University was, and still is, a microcosm of the world in which we live. Having our first confirmed case in February in the research lab, one of our Catholic community members contracted the virus and spent over two months recovering. The way in which her body reacted to the virus was severe, but it also was such that she was unable to develop antibodies against the virus even after being COVID free. Today every Rice student, faculty member, staff and visitors receive weekly COVID tests (nasal swabs) and masks are required as ALL times and no one can eat indoors in groups. Their success rate is a model for all universities. As of today, the positivity rate is far below 1% .
In May of 2020 a Rice Alumnus, who works for the Texas Drug and Development Center, put out a call to get volunteers to try the new RNA-based vaccine for Pfizer Phase II/III study. Because it was hitting so close to home, and my call as an Oblate compelled me to live out Constitution 2, I decided to sign up as a volunteer to participate in the double-blind study. Double blind essentially means that neither the participant nor the doctors know of you are receiving the vaccine or the placebo. I am patient 77 in this trial. In late July I received the call to make an appointment. I discussed it with friends and family and most advised against it because I am asthmatic. But after much time in prayer and guidance from our Lord Jesus, I decided to proceed.
In August I arrived and the appointment lasted four hours as they went through my complete medical history, medications I take, as well as any vitamins or minerals right down to Tart Cherry Extract that I take daily. They had to make sure, they said, if I reacted to the vaccine it was clear what may have caused the reaction. Thirty minutes before I left the clinic, I received the first of 2 doses. I sat there to wait for any severe reactions. Everything seemed fine. They sent me home with emergency contact cards, a COVID test kit (that they would retrieve at any hour of the day or night should I come down with symptoms), a thermometer, a gauge to measure the injection site, and an app to record daily updates. The next day I was scheduled to give blood and was informed that I would be unable to give blood for two years so they could determine how this vaccine affected the bloodstream. Needless to say, this was all a bit nerve-racking as I entered into an unknown study that will continue until August of 2022.
After the first round there were very little side effects except for some swelling and pain at the injection site. I presumed I may have received the placebo. A few weeks later I received the second injection during a two-hour appointment. A few days later I could hardly move as I was so exhausted – but the next day I was fine. “Maybe” I thought, “I received the real vaccine” but I could have also just been exhausted. Now some time has passed, and we have received the good news that the Pfizer Vaccine has a 95% success rate! I also learned that I will be “unblinded” soon and should I have received the placebo; I will be invited to receive the actual vaccine soon. Still, I will make quarterly visits, they will monitor my blood for 2 years as I am still in the trial phase and will continue to live as if I received a placebo to protect those around me.
Of course, I will continue to pray that the poor in our world will have access to the new vaccines. I also give thanks to God for creating minds that are able to protect the world through science.
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.
