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Oblates Attend 2011 World Social Forum March 4th, 2011
Fr. Walter Butor OMI, Ms Patti Radle and Fr. Jose Ponce OMI represented the U.S. Oblate JPIC Committee at the recent World Social Forum (WSF) held in Dakar, Senegal, February 6-11. Oblates from other regions also attended. In a note from Ms Radle described her experience: “It is very emotional and encouraging to be around thousands and thousands of people who are so sincere about making a better world and seeing beyond borders.” The World Social Forum is an annual summit held by non-governmental organizations, civil society members and religious leaders working to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Mass at the cathedral in Dakar. The Bishop of Senegal gave a blessing and prayers for those attending the World Social Forum.
Oblate JPIC General Service Director Fr. Camille Piché OMI hosted an informal inaugural gathering for Oblate participants to convey expectations and a debriefing session following the forum to share experiences. Oblates participate in the World Social Forum in order to express solidarity with the thousands of participants meeting to both share concerns and explore effective responses to a diversity of issues, from globalization, ecological sustainability and trafficking of women and children, to trade relations of nations, extractives industries and indigenous peoples’ issues. Thanks go to the Oblate Province in Senegal which provided hospitality to the Oblate participants.
Thanks to Patti Radle for the photographs.
"Another World is Possible"
Recycle Your Paper! March 4th, 2011
If everyone in the U.S. recycled their newspapers (including the comics), we would save 500,000 trees every week. We can recycle all kinds of paper, cereal boxes, note paper, bags, newspaper, etc.
These are some of the benefits of recycling paper:
- Conserves resources
- Prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants
- Saves energy
- Supplies valuable raw materials to industry
- Creates jobs
- Stimulates the growth of greener technologies
- Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators
Conflict Minerals in Our Cell Phones, Laptops March 1st, 2011
According to a UN Panel of Experts and others the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being fueled by a multi-million dollar trade in minerals. The armed groups perpetuating this violence deal in five main minerals used in electronic products and found plentifully in eastern Congo – coltan, gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum.
To see where various electronics companies rank in using conflict-free minerals and to send them messages, go to Raise Hope for Congo (English only)
MARCH 9: Begin a Lenten Journey March 1st, 2011
The Marianists have developed a creative Lenten Program featuring 40 days and 40 Least Developed Countries. This program presents a rich opportunity to learn about people living in poverty and the health challenges they face in various countries around the world.
Look for the flags toward the bottom of the page indicating the different languages available on the site. Click on the language of your choice to read the description of this program. Then at the top left of the window, click on the calendar which each day offers a one-page focus on a particular country. If a page is missing, try again at a later date.
For English, go to http://www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=1
For French, go to http://www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=2
For Spanish, go to http://www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=3
Best Practices from Oblate Parishes February 27th, 2011
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Laredo, TX
“Greens of Guadalupe”: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Laredo, Texas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas prides itself as a leader in promoting a healthy community environment. Greens of Guadalupe is a parish group at Our Lady of Guadalupe. The group is supported and led by members from the parish. Greens of Guadalupe at Our Lady of Guadalupe is an example of parish best practice organizing.
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