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Pope Francis Visits Two African Nations: Democratic Republic of the Congo & South Sudan February 1st, 2023
Pope Francis’ much anticipated visit — his fifth to the African continent since becoming pope in 2013 and the first papal visit to Congo since Pope John Paul II visited in 1985 — comes following a postponement in July 2022 due to the pope’s ongoing issues with his knee. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate has a significant presence in the Congo.
As Francis arrived on Jan. 31, tens of thousands of onlookers cheered, danced and waved banners and flags bearing images of the pontiff as they lined the main road from the airport to the city center, along the pope’s route through town.
After three days in Congo, Francis will travel to war-torn South Sudan for a historic visit with leaders of the Church of England and Church of Scotland for what Francis has described as a “pilgrimage of peace.”
Read the full story at National Catholic Reporter online.
Related stories around the web:
‘Hands off Africa,’ Pope Francis tells rich world – REUTERS
Pope Francis is in Democratic Republic of Congo, its first papal visit since 1985 – NPR
VIDEO – Pope Francis during Mass in D.R. of Congo: “The Lord says to you: Lay down your arms” – ROME REPORTS
VIDEO – Highlights – RDC, First day Pope Francis in RDC, 31 January 2023, Pope Francis – VATICAN NEWS
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25, 2023 January 13th, 2023
(Originally published at OMIUSA.ORG)
As our Oblate Prayer Book mentions, we observe each year the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from Jan. 18-25 (pp. 73-76). Our divisions hurt the way people view Jesus and the Church He founded.
Minnesota Council of Churches. Minneapolis, MN became a flashpoint for calls for racial justice and equity during the responses of communities to the George Floyd murder. This received worldwide attention.
The theme chosen for this year is “Do Good: Seek Justice,” from Isaiah 1:17. Materials for each day are available from the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute.: www.geii.org.
Many members of the Oblate Family reside in Minnesota. May we join with them in spirit as we observe the 2023 Week.
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday occurs on January 16. The Graymoor website gives special material linking the holiday with the Week of Prayer: click on “Prayer/Worship,” and search for “Homily Notes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”
Prayer for Christian Unity
O God of justice and peace, One in the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, enliven the unity of your Church on earth. Help us to see that our unity goes beyond unity in doctrinal essentials to an active unity of humanity with you and with one another.
Forgive us for not remembering we are brothers and sisters in equity and justice under your law of love. Help us remember that each of us is created in your Divine image and that we share the dignity of being your children. Temper your justice, O Lord, with mercy to forgive and heal our broken relationships. Unite us in a fellowship that recalls our baptism, which has conquered sin and death, hate and division in the power of the Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ.
Grant all this, O Lord, in his name and by the power of your Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen.
January 11 Is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day January 11th, 2023
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 raises awareness of the persistent issue of human trafficking. This day is specifically dedicated to awareness and prevention of the illegal practice. The horrific injustice of human trafficking can affect people of any race and background, and on this day we are all called to fight human trafficking wherever it exists.
Attacks on the Mro damage the dignity of Bangladesh January 11th, 2023
By Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum
The culture, development, democracy and humanity of a country are measured by how its religious, ethnic and other minorities fare. However, in the beginning of the new year, on January 2, we sadly witnessed an attack on the Mro community in Bandarban’s Lama. Their houses were burned and vandalised, and its inhabitants were assaulted. This happened last year too, but there was no redress.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE at the Daily Star: https://bit.ly/3XgPiXz
Volunteer Gratitude Luncheon at La Vista January 4th, 2023
Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
Throughout each year groups of volunteers come from far and near to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, IL, to spend themselves caring for the land by removing invasive trees, vines, and bushes; conducting prescribed burns; removing trash after flooding; restoring the Pollinator Garden to health; and caring for the renovated Lodge.
After our usual December workday, volunteers were invited to gather the Novitiate for lunch so I could express gratitude for their generosity. As it turned out, much more happened during our time together. Since there are four groups who work at various times, we found this an opportunity to meet one another on a deeper level. As participants introduced themselves and their interests in the field of ecological restoration, we were all enriched and amazed at the varied talents and areas of expertise among the group. Young and old felt encouraged by belonging to this unique blend of generous volunteers.
As I reflected on the experience, I realized that even more was happening: volunteers were giving flesh to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si by “caring for our common home”, as well as to the Oblates’ Land Ethic by valuing the land known as La Vista.
