News Archives » Social Justice
JPIC attends Congress on the Oblate Charism in Context. July 2nd, 2015
Oblate Director Fr. Antonio Ponce OMI participated in the conference on Oblate Charism in Context in San Antonio, Texas where he presented to the global Oblate audience on the topic, “The charism in North America in the context of JPIC.” Also in attendance were other members of the Oblate JPIC committee; Fr. Jim Brobst OMI presented on “Arts in the Oblate call, ministry and evangelization.”
Other topics presented included topics on young Oblate life missionary, immigration, and ministry among indigenous people, ecumenism, inter-religious dialogue, vocations and urban parish ministry.
The three-day conference June 30 – July 3 took place at the same time in all the Regions of the Oblate Congregation, through internet (video Conferencing application) in eight places namely: San Antonio (USA); Mexico City (Mexico); Rome (Italy); Obra (Poland); Kinshasa (D.R. Congo); Johannesburg (South Africa); Colombo (Sri Lanka); and Manila (Philippines).
The primary objectives of the Congress on the Oblate Charism in Context was to listen on opportunities and challenges to the Oblate charism as it is being lived in different contexts, become more aware of the richness of Oblate life, ministry and explore the sense of belonging to one apostolic Oblate body. It was also an occasion to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Oblate founding.
In addition to the richness of the presentations at the confernce, this online global gathering for Oblates reveal how today’s interactive technology can enhance our Oblate ministry, collaboration, animation and governance. At the JPIC office,we have as a priority make use today’s technology and social media to support our JPIC ministry outreach.
Learn more information about Congress on the Oblate Charism in Context here.
Zambian Oblate Bishop leads fund initiative to help Church of South Sudan June 30th, 2015
Bishop Evans Chinyemba OMI during the Oblate Radio Liseli 10th anniversary with Royal Majesty King Of Barotseland in Mongu, Zambia
The Catholic Bishop of Mongu in Zambia, Rt Rev. Evans Chinyama Chinyemba OMI mobilized his diocese and raise funds for the people of South Sudan. This is in response to the call from Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) to the help the Church in South Sudan.
Currently, the new independent nation of South Sudan is in civil war between political leaders and the conflict is reported to have deteriorated into ethnic violence,displaced millions and killed over thousands of people. The humanitarian crisis is getting worse for many faith- based organizations to handle.
Mongu diocese encompasses one the most challenged regions in Zambia in terms of infrastructure and economic development. Despite all the challenges in their midst, the spirit and faith of the Catholics in Mongu has demonstrated to be rich, that it crosses the mighty Zambezi River (Zambia) and Nile River (South Sudan) to reach the hearts of men, women and children experiencing conflict in South Sudan.
Congratulating parishes and religious communities in the Mongu diocese on the achievement to raise funds for the Church in South Sudan, Bishop Evans Chinyemba OMI said, “We are neighbors to each other even when we are separated by political boundaries. The diocese of Mongu has demonstrated this neighborliness by responding to the appeal which AMECEA made to various Episcopal Conference to mobilize financial resources for the Church of South Sudan.”
The fund raised by Catholic Diocese of Mongu in Zambia for the Church in South Sudan has since been remitted.
Called to Take Urgent Action:Pope Francis Encyclical “Laudato Si” June 22nd, 2015
On June 18, His Holiness Pope Francis released the long-awaited Encyclical on the Environment;Laudato Si’ On Care for our Common home. Missionary Oblates JPIC applauds the release of this encyclical. The Laudato Si is rooted in key themes of Catholic Social Teaching namely Poor and Vulnerable, Common Good, Integral Ecology and Global Solidarity.
Here is the latest Missionary Oblates reflection resource on Pope Francis’ encyclical:OMI JPIC LAUDATO SI JUNE 2015
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”
