Guest Blog

Last month I invited any Wheaton Franciscan to contribute a piece for the JPIC monthly blog (this is an on-going, open invitation!).  I’m pleased to bring you a familiar voice on this Blog  ---  Sr. Sheila Kinsey, currently serving in Rome.

Dear Wheaton Franciscans and Friends,     
                                                           
As the Congregational JPIC Coordinator, I am delighted to share with you the networking possibilities in Rome for social justice efforts.  There are opportunities for prayerful reflection, participation in working groups, and meetings with influential persons. I have been inspired by the JPIC efforts here in Rome.

The prayerful reflections are timely and thoughtful. Recently offered, were prayers for: the people of Haiti and all those involved in the life saving efforts; the UN Social Justice Day (Feb 20); and International Women’s Day (March 8) Copies of these prayers are available at http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/.

I belong to the JPIC Promoters whose purpose is to animate the Gospel mission in our religious congregations. Our focus is on healing and reconciling relationships at every level. In addition to regular meetings of all the promoters, the following working groups meet: Anti-trafficking, Africa, JPIC Training, Economic Justice (Fair Trade), Integrity of Creation, and Peace Initiatives.  I am most involved with the Peace Initiatives and the Integrity of Creation groups, although I receive the minutes from all the working groups.

The Peace Initiatives group has focused efforts on nuclear disarmament and the peace building process. Our role is to find ways to involve Church leadership in public support of this process. We have met with Dave Robinson, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, who described the Church’s statements regarding this concern.  We have also facilitated sessions on ecumenical peace building.

The Integrity of Creation Working Group has created a booklet, Earth Community: Through the Integrity of Creation Justice and Peace for All.  A number of the religious congregations have taken seriously the responsibility for care of the earth and have shared their results in a survey.  Some of our members participated in the UN Summit on Climate Change. Resources from this group are available at http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_creation.

The JPIC Promoters have also developed an inspiring booklet, Guide Us in Your Justice: A Formation Itinerary for a Prophetic Religious Life which is based on the Gospel, relevant Church resources, and Catholic Social Teaching.    Sr. Cunera Hasugian and I attended the session at which one hundred and sixty persons from seventy-five congregations discussed this booklet.  The first draft was very well received.

The final version of this booklet will be available on the JPIC Promoters website, http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/

JPIC Promoters also met with U.S. Ambassador, Miguel Diaz.  Sr. Mary Lou Wirtz and I, along with forty-two other religious from the U.S., met with the ambassador at the Generalate of the Precious Blood Sisters.   He spoke of his theological and social justice background, and the opportunities afforded him in his position.  A lively discussion ensued around the tragedy of Haiti, ecology, and nuclear disarmament, after which, the ambassador welcomed questions.

Know that I am listening for information that will be helpful for you and that I share our experiences with the other JPIC Promoters. I value your prayerful support of our social justice efforts.    

 Peace and all good, Sr. Sheila