News Archives » Human Dignity
Missionary Oblates Welcomes Papal Encyclical – “LAUDATO SI” June 18th, 2015
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate welcome and join with other Catholics and all people of goodwill in celebrating the release of the encyclical “Laudato Si- Praised be: On the care of the common home.“Pope Francis encyclical on the environment is an invitation to reflect on how to live simply and be in solidarity with the poor.Today, His Holiness Pope Francis released the encyclical Laudato Si’ – On The Care of The Common Home.
Below is a Welcome message to the ecology encyclical by Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate as summarized by Fr. Seamus Finn OMI, Chief of Faith Consistent Investment at OIP Investment Trust:
Among virtually all faith groups is a universal call to be in right relationship with the earth, t o act as responsible stewards of the planet, and to preserve its health and resources for future generations. With a missionary presence and faith-based relationships in the world’s most vulnerable communities, faith institutions recognize climate change’s potential to exacerbate the suffering caused by extreme poverty and inequality which are at the root of so many existing social justice issues. The environmental crisis facing our planet transcends politics, economics and science; it is, at bottom, a moral and ethical crisis. In issuing Laudato Si, the Holy Father is reminding us of our duty to restore our right relationship with the earth, which is one of harmony and respect for God’s creation.
In the encyclical, Pope Francis cautioned:
“Climate change is a global problem with serious implications, environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods; it represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. Its worst impact will probably be felt by developing countries in coming decades. Many of the poor live in areas particularly affected by phenomena related to warming, and their means of subsistence are largely dependent on natural reserves and Eco systemic services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry…the climate is a common good, of all and for all.”
To honor the Holy Father’s call to protect creation and the most vulnerable of God’s children, we are invited spend time to read encyclical, reflect, share and bring all into our community and personal prayers and actions.
Encyclical “Laudato Si- Praised be: On the care of the common home: papa_francesco_20150524_enciclica_laudato_si_en
DONE! BANGLADESH RANA PLAZA FUND REACHES $30 MILLION GOAL. June 17th, 2015
The Missionary Oblates, particularly through their membership and involvement in the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) have expressed concern for the workers at the factory that collapsed at Rana Plaza in Bangladesh two years ago.
In April 2015, Missionary US Province signed onto a letter going to several corporations asking them to provide funds to help compensate victims of this tragedy hoping to generate a fund of $30 million called the “Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund”.
That goal has been reached!
Preview of “pr_-_bangladesh_trust_fund_6-9-15final2.pdf”
U.S Catholics:Religious Freedom Initiative – June 21 – July 4 June 15th, 2015
A “Fortnight for Freedom,” – June 21-July 4 is a 14-day period of prayer, education and action across all dioceses in the United States in support of religious freedom. Launched by U.S Catholic Bishops, several initiatives and events are encouraged to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom.
The theme for 2015 Fortnight for Freedom is Freedom to Bear Witness to the Truth of the Gospel. For Catholics, these fourteen days are significant because it incorporate series of feasts of Saint Peter and Paul and June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day.
For more please see USCCB website for liturgical resources and information on special event in your parish.
Fortnight for Freedom Resources here.
Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty
O God our Creator,
from your provident hand we have received
our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us
the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God,
and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,
you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,
bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel
to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us
in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;
give us courage in making our voices heard
on behalf of the rights of your Church
and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters
gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,
so that, with every trial withstood
and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,
and all who come after us—
this great land will always be “one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer from USCCB Fortnight for Freedom 2015)
Oblate JPIC Meet Organizational Partners June 4th, 2015
Oblate JPIC maintains a collaborative relationship with some organizations that support us in the ministry for justice and peace and those who get financial support for programs from the U.S Missionary Oblates.
This week, the JPIC staff has been meeting with partner organizations that are based in Washington DC. Oblates JPIC Director Fr. Ponce and George met with the leadership team from Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) and also with the Latin America Working Group (LAWG).
Both organizations have a long history of strong commitment to human rights and social justice with a deep understanding of U.S foreign policy towards Latin America.
The meetings focused on sharing common areas of collaborations, learn about new initiatives, programs by the partners. It was also a moment to explore opportunities for future support and collaborations on new challenging issues in the JPIC ministry.
These organizations expertise in campaigns, research and advocacy allow us to do far more than we could alone as JPIC office. Their commitment to social justice and integrity of creation is admirable. JPIC is glad to have them as partners.
