JPIC Office Blog

October 24 , 2006

Dear Friends and Welcome to the JPIC Website!

Blessings to all of you as you consider your votes for the upcoming elections.

On October 19, a Labyrinth Walk was conducted on the Wheaton Franciscans Campus in solidarity with the people of Africa. The event was co-sponsored by Upendo Village (a service organization which has a special focus for women and children) in Naivasha, Kenya. Also on that same day in Nairobi Kenya, Sr. Florence Muia, ASN, Director of Upendo Village held a prayer service for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence in the world, also explaining what is domestic violence within one of their supports groups. Rahab Wairuri, a Human Rights Activist, was a speaker during the Domestic Violence Day in Upendo Village. The awareness was attended by 53 clients. To view a picture of Rahab receiving a bouquet of flowers from a male client, click pdf file.
Family Shelter Service (an agency for victims of domestic violence) in DuPage County in Illinois and the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office of the Wheaton Franciscans. Please checkout our pictures. Group Shot from Laybrinth (Suzie, Helen, Amy and S. Georgene), Family Shelter's Amy and Helen, Family Shelter's Craft Table for Walk, A symbol of hope from the walk.

I would like to invite you to look at a PowerPoint Presentation adapted by the JPIC Office from Faithful Citizenship, a publication by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB). This is a reflection piece that provides a context for how the Catholic Social Teaching can be used as a guide for the upcoming elections on November 7th. Click link to view PPT.

The U.S. Congress will not resume full sessions until November 13th. The results of the election will have an impact on the legislative agenda forward and on our advocacy efforts. Please pray for the best possible outcome.

Good News, UN agencies working in northern Uganda say an unprecedented number of people displaced by the war with Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) are starting to make their way home. In recent months UNHCR estimates that more than 300,000 people already left camps.

Sadly, the situation in Darfur continues to be riddled with strive and conflict. Despite the government of Khartoum's statement of accepting assistance from the United Nations, such forces have not been allowed into the country. We will continue to pressure for the best interests of the people in that country.

We appreciate everything you have done for the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation issues. As always your prayers are important for all of these social concerns and especially that all the countries of the world will soon know peace. Peace in Iraq link.

Peace and all good,

Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF

Coordinator, JPIC Office

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