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- "JUSTICE AND PEACE" COMMISSION
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- COMISIÓN "JUSTICIA Y PAZ"
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- COMMISSIONE "GIUSTIZIA E PACE"
English
"JUSTICE AND PEACE" COMMISSION
Annual Meeting
Middletown,
*Amilton Vidotto CP 544 Beira 2100 Mozambique 258 03 530136 fradescarmelitas@teledata.mz
*Artemio Jusayan
Teresa of Avila Bldg #
*Ismael Checa BP 2189 Bobo Dioulasso - 01 Burkina Faso 226 646449 ficha@mundofree.com
*Antonio Silvio da Costa Jr Via Giovanni Lanza 138 00184 Roma RM. Italia 39 06 46 2018 41 ascosta@ocarm.org (secretary of the commission)
*Carlos Mesters Rua Morais e Vale 111 LAPA 20021-260 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil 55 021 22 21 3887 cmesters@ocarm.org
*Miceal O'Neill Terenure College Terenure Dublin 6w Ireland 01.4904621 mmoneill@utvinternet.com
*Wilfrid McGreal The Friars Aylesford Kent ME 207BX U.K 0044 1622 714170 wmcgreal@carmelnet.org
*Edgar Koning Nolensweg 8 3317 LE Dordrecht Netherlands 0031 78 6520840 koning216@zonnet.nl
Nelson Belizario
2191
* = members in attendance
The meeting was
held at St Albert's Priory in Middletown,
October 1st
Work on the schedule - cf. written agenda
Antonio chairs the first day.
The morning began
with a period of silent prayer from
(Lunch is at
Conscientization, learn again how to contemplate. Critical information. Formation/Transformation, and Reality, Identity, Tradition.
Review of the ten goals on Justice and Peace from June 2004
B. Some highlights of what is going on with the members of the Commission
Carlos talked about meeting with Francisco's group in Brazil becoming an annual event, reflecting on Carmelite spirituality. Miceal - In Ireland, the visits to the community proved positive. The visits could continue, but the new council is looking at an integrated system of commissions. He has written a draft based on his thesis on Peru 1966-86 but so many changes have happened, he is wondering how to rewrite it to make it more useful today. Work with Sophia as a province in providing holistic housing for the homeless. Wilfrid expressed great thanks for the meeting of last year, especially the ten points. Challenge of government in Gr Britain re alliance with US on war in Iraq. Talked of participating in a demonstration of 2 million against the war. Pax Christi chair is on the provincial peace and justice commission. CAFOD also in dialog with them. Some emphasis on 'ethical shopping' - Annual general meeting invites all the lay members of the commission as well as provincial members. He likes the Elijah connection as a dialog point with Islam and Judaism. Has had a chance to speak on BBC and other radio programs. Aylesford itself is a very multi-cultural centre.
Edgar talked on the peace and justice commission in Holland - sponsoring a day for the entire province. (Miceal and Carlos were former presenters). A whole week with up to twelve people has been devoted to issues of peace and justice and formation. Lay People of the Carmel Movement were also eligible to attend. Much interest in the role of immigrants in Holland - e.g.. women from Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic in their parishes. Edgar also took the ten points and used them effectively. Entered into the provincial statement. Seen as a statement of ideals and goals. This year's week of reflection will centre on justice and the Psalms. Wishes there were more follow-up on Aylesford course two years ago. Poverty increasing in his country - many social benefits being eliminated. E.g., at FIDOC, two women have had full time jobs with the government providing the salaries. These kinds of jobs are being cut. Another big issue is that of migrants. New government is much stricter. Thousands working to get their papers are being kicked out of the country. How long can they be refugees in the churches? Repatriation is often dangerous for many of them.
Nelson - spoke of his recuperation and so some issues were on hold. Still tries to share by e-mail issues and articles of concern with many. Attended three P & J meetings of his province - some discussion of globalisation and NGO, how the commission can be of support to the members in their daily ministry. Has moved to Saint Simon Stock Parish in the Bronx, with a parish base largely from the Caribbean and mostly Spanish speaking.
Amilton - He has
been in Mozambique, from the Pernambuco
Artemio talked about life in the Philippines. He is one of two in a parish in Mindanao - 70,000 in the parish. The 2000 chapter in the Philippines integrated P & J into their ministries. Many JPIC centres from south to north. 4 days of training in 2002. Among issues: women's and children's rights, gender watch against violence towards women, gender sensitivity, farming. So many children forced to work to help out the family financially, it disrupts their education. The province also has associates - lay persons involved in Carmelite spirituality and so in peace and justice. Other issues: human rights violations, police abuse, civil liberties, anti-terrorism, harming of journalists, farmers, urban poor, indigenous peoples, ecological concerns such as land conversion, illegal logging, mining, addictions. More money to armies, less for social services. Brain drain - as many professionals leave for better pay in Western countries.
Ismael - Globalisation an area of study. How to welcome immigrants in Spain - Many are coming from Latin America and Africa (north and sub Saharan). Gave out materials on ONG - KARIT - it is maturing. Many problems, but it is working. To engage friars and sisters and lay people. In Africa, the church is very young. Christianity is a minority in Burkina Faso. How to connect sacraments and P & J? Problems of SIDA are related with education and poverty as well. Infancy death rate is very high. The Church and the bishops have started to engage the issue - Pharmaceutical companies want the money. They support the education program, but mostly to gain the contracts for the medicines. He lives in a community of five friars, small house. How does one live even more simply.
Antonio - based in Rome now. Took the place of Carlos in many meetings. Environment group - booklet on clear water. ALCA - Free Trade Area of the Americas/ Area de Libre Comercio de las Americas another big issue -- free trade between Europe and Latin America. What is the impact on the poor and the small landowners? Fresh Water another issue of concern. Curia life - great interest in the issues, but hard to get involved.
Mass at
October 2nd
Miceal chairs the
second day. Begins at
Handouts included:
Augustinian paper on theological reflection of involvement in NGO
KARIT - (Spanish NGO centered on development)
Water for Life www.ofm-jpic.org/agua A study on the need
for clear cool water around the globe, joint religious study emanating from
Rome
Called to Account by the Poor www.aug.org/english/justiciaypaz/boletin.htm
(Periodic reflections on peace and justice issues from Augustinian curia in
Rome
Pacem In Terris -
Why are we involved in an NGO and especially status with the UN? What do we know.
The round robin produced a variety of stories and accounts.
Among the common themes:
a)
While there is general interest among members of the commission, the specifics
of an NGO are still indistinct. The questionnaire was not distributed with ease.
Hence, the response has been inconsistent. Ismael noted that Spain has KARIT - already an NGO specific to Spain but including friars, monjas, y laicos. What would their
status be with regards to a UN ONG?
b) Many indicated that ONG's are very helpful and needed as a way for the voice
of the poor to be heard in the international corridors. The attitude toward
the UN is positive in many parts of the world, but some are suspicious of the
UN as a tool of western interests; others are worried about its 'stance' on
issues like abortion and birth control. So there needs to be some work done
on the relation of religious groups with a 'secular' group like the UN.
c) Or is that one of its strengths - that belonging to the UN allows for a dialog
between secular values and religious traditions?
d) Can it also be an expression of our mendicancy, of our humility? We neither
have all the answers nor can give all the answers. We are not in charge of the
agenda or the power of economics. We must be a little voice in the multitude
of voices trying to be heard. It requires therefore a transformation of ourselves,
a kind of kenosis in looking at our goals and values as Carmelites.
e) What is the difference between retaining status as DPI and ECOSOC?
f) The concerns of the P & J Commission of Pure Heart of Mary were also
raised - time, talent, treasure to make it effective, lines of communication
and authority, possibly endangering members in the field in countries of oppression
and danger, process of involving the members more in the formation of the NGO,
and alternative methods of witnessing to justice on an international scale.
g) The history of our interest in NGO's was also mentioned - from Miceal's seeing
other religious groups using their involvement as a way to express their order's
commitment to the General Council approving of the move to the Congregation
of Our Lady of Mt Carmel being successful in making application and being approved
so quickly.
Issues of discussion with Sr Jane and Sr Helen:
1) What is the
reality now? Status questionis.
2) We do have continued interest as a commission and as members of the commission
3) Is the Order behind it? What are the lines of communication? How are decisions
made?
4) How would an NGO deal with concrete issues, such as HIV/SIDA or refugees
5) Do we need to update the survey and do it over again with more clarity of
goals and interest
6) What is the link with the OCD NGO/ONG
7) What are the pastoral implications? Can we sell the idea better when we can
tell stories from our members in the field and how they can be assisted in their
ministry or find a voice for their concerns in a broader context?
8) ECOSOC status - is that still a goal? What does DPI status mean?
9) Language as a communication barrier - how do we communicate better in other
languages and cultures?
10) What does she expect of the friars here and now?
The conference
call with Sr Jane and Sr Helen took place at
In response to some of the questions listed above, they indicated that progress is slow but sure. They are still interested in pursuing ECOSOC status at the UN and that may take several years yet. The survey results indicated that a) they needed a better mailing list. It was obvious that not all the provinces or congregations received the survey. b) they are encouraged by the preliminary response. The majority of respondents are very interested in the project. c) The survey needs improvement and perhaps a second one will be issued. They indicated that even though the survey was written in many languages, the majority of the responses were done in English.
They realize that we all need to do a better job at explaining the purpose of the involvement with the UN and our status as an NGO (ONG). The level of interest may depend on how people see this effort as useful to their ministry or to the needs of the people they work with. (Other discussion centered on those who object to the UN itself and conversely on the way the Vatican has addressed issues taken for yearly reflection by the UN).
"Unified ownership" of the process is most important. They realize that is not an easy goal, but they have had favourable responses from several countries in Europe and the Philippines and many of the cloistered nuns indicate a willingness to raise the issues in their prayer lives. The Website for the NGO has also proved useful; a member of the German province put a German reporter in touch with them when he came to the US to do a story on the war and its impact in the US.
The Jesuit model is worth looking into. They have some centres of research and advocacy, but they also have members around the globe. For instance, say that children are the focus of a report. Each country where Jesuits are located is asked to report on the status of children in their area. They send in written reports and indicate the facts, what they are doing, what they hope to do. Simple process, but it communicates internationally among themselves what is happening and focuses attention on particular areas of interest..
There has been
minimal contact with the OCD NGO/ONG. But they have been invited to the All
Carmelite Conference at the Palmer House in Chicago,
The commission expressed its continuing interest and support and will seek ways to clarify the goals and the lines of communication. Antonio will leave on Monday to meet the sisters and talk about his role as secretary of the commission in Rome and what ways his office can assist in dissemination of information and process.
The issues of a centre and a staff did come up, but they thought we still had time to work on that issue. Maybe an office would be needed in 2005-2006. They expressed their appreciation for the confidence in their work and look forward to Antonio's visit to New Orleans.
Much of the day was spent daydreaming and brainstorming. Rather than identify each of our utopias, the following is an effort to highlight some of the ideas and projects. They are intermingled and the commission needs to work on prioritising them.
Among the utopian hopes:
a) integration
of justice in all our ministries as rooted in our Christian vocation.
(Sometimes 'peace and justice' is seen as a special project, rather than as
integral to our identity as Catholics, Christians, Carmelites.)
b) the need for continuing study of the Elijan tradition in Carmelite history
and spirituality and its presentation in houses of formation and in provincial
deliberations.
- What is a prophetic tradition? What are the implications of taking Elijah
and Mary more seriously as exemplars of our lifestyle?
c) How do we ourselves work at the temptations of clericalism, the reality of
poverty and oppression in our commitments, racism, etc.
d) How do we develop a sense of solidarity not only within our communities but
as communities with the people we are called to serve and with whom we minister
the grace of God?
e) What is the connection between human rights and divine grace?
f) How can we relate RICA/ RCIA and mystagogia with our own lifelong process
of evangelisation and continuing formation in the life of Christ?
g) Do we need additional models of chastity and community life? E.g., the community
life in Francisco's community with recovering addicts, coed communities, communities
with lay people in association?
Some of the concrete ideas that were suggested:
1) That the General
write a letter sharing his own convictions about the connection of spirituality
and justice.
2) Shared conversation with other international/ general commissions of the
Order to show how the call to justice and peace is connected.
3) Should the NGO / ONG have a particular focus, as do our Jesuit and Franciscan
peers? E.g., we meditated on the distortion of God's name to justify behaviour
that demeans human dignity. Does our charism that emphasizes our pilgrim character,
our journey in search of God (and vice versa) help us to speak more clearly
to other religious groups as well? Do we have language in our tradition that
bridges many traditions? How do we respect each person's search for God?
4) Closely connected is the need to spread this reflection much further. How
to involve more of the membership of the Carmelite family so that they 'own'
this process more clearly. For the friars, might each province meditate on those
areas of justice and peace in which they are already invested? Could such reflection
be incorporated in chapter meetings? Listening to the stories of their members
and discerning the grace of God?
5) Would it be helpful if the commission itself were to issue an annual letter/
report on the Feast of St Elijah? (Living the Rule: orante y profetica)
- Is there any interest in developing a Feast of Christ the Prophet (cf baptismal
anointing).
6) Can we work more diligently at developing partnerships with other groups
and agencies whose interests in particular issues (e.g,. Amnesty International
and Pax Christi) coincide with our priorities?
7) The Commission was very positive about the NGO and looking for ways to improve
the communication within the Carmelite Family. Perhaps it takes a year of manuring
and maturing and caring and sunshine and waiting! To clarify the focus. Will
we be trying to determine a focus help each province and order to probe into
our charism as Carmelites?
October 3rd
Wilfrid McGreal chairs the day!
E & F. Two items for the morning agenda: Communications and Formal Request for a Secretariat
Communications
--
With whom and how do we communicate?
Titus Brandsma Bulletin - now appearing 3 times in CITOC
Collection of small books
Web Site
Prayer Cards
News flashes in collaboration with Bill Harry, Communications
The publishing of the Brandsma newsletter with CITOC seems to be going well. We have to provide the material on a regular basis. In discussing who has the responsibility for passing along information, the topic of the Secretariat/ Secretary role came up.
Might the ten points of last year's meeting provide a way to focus on each issue as a way to gather information, insights from around the Carmelite world? (Might be similar to what Sr Jane and Sr Helen have seen in the Jesuit model of NGO/ONG participation). Is there a promoter of peace and justice in each province? What are the deadlines for publication?
Brainstorming
on the Web Site - discuss with Anthony Cilia - here are some possibilities:
a) Mission Statement of the Commission
b) Who is on the Commission: (i) a list too of the provincial contacts, perhaps
also those from the sisters' orders and/or third order members?
c) Documents of Inspiration: (i) Called to Account by the Poor (ii) In the Midst
of the People (Rio De Janeiro) (iii) Message from Manila
d) Texts: (i) Saints (ii) Zelo Zelatus Sum (iii) Commentaries and important
texts (remember: silence is the servant of justice - English translation) (iv)
church documents pertinent to peace and justice
e) ONG/ NGO statements and links
f) Titus Brandsma Bulletin and Archives
g) Calendar of events going on around the world
h) Information - News Flashes
i) Links to other religious orders, to other documents, to other provinces
The question then came up about the role of the Secretariat for this IJP Commission. Antonio provided a number of models active in Roman circles. We agreed that the job means it will have contact points with the desk in Rome and also involve each of the provinces in a network of communications. It would be the clearinghouse, the executive of the commission, and the receiver/transmitter of information. Carlos has asked Antonio to be his representative at many of the meetings of groups in Rome and Antonio has been most interested in doing so.
a) to approve the
appointment of a Secretariat for the Peace and Justice Commission
b) to accept this preliminary job description
c) to ask for yearly meetings of the commission and for a meeting every three
years with the provincially appointed promoters of peace and justice
i) such meetings every three years will improve communications
ii) they will keep the commission in touch with more grass roots connections
in each region of Carmelite presence
iii) they will help in implementing recommendations from the commission
iv) they will be a source of new ideas and commitments
The preliminary job description includes the following notions:
1) Representation
at various meetings in Rome and elsewhere
2) Communication centre
(a) Web Site - Liaison with Anthony Cilia
(b) Titus Brandsma in CITOC - Liaison with Harry
(c) Zelo Zelatus Sum supervision
(d) Written communications
3) Network with the area promoters of peace and justice
4) Organize information to Harry and Mesters for General Council Meetings
5) Information of ongoing events
6) Formation of deep consciousness of our work in Peace and Justice as connected
with our charism
7) Maintain the archives of the commission
8) Assist in developing a theological rationale for our participation as an
NGO at the UN and elsewhere
9) Participation with other ongoing Commissions of the Order
This job description is very fluid and open to revision.
G. The next
topic was the relationship of the Commission with Formation programs
throughout the Order. Can we be of assistance is developing materials that elucidate
the relationship of peace and justice/ the prophetic imagination/ with the Call
to Carmel? Antonio project 4 meetings or sessions on the following five topics:
- Biblical
- Historical (Carmelite, ecclesial)
- Theological
- Pastoral
- Social/ Anthropological (social analysis)
Artimeo indicated that this model has been used very much in the Philippines. They have their own formation manual and take the peace/justice character of the order very seriously. There are different levels of involvement as students progress through formation. They also work closely with other religious orders.
Edgar indicated that those in formation are expected to attend block-weeks, one of which centres on a peace and justice theme every year. There is also a peace and justice day. In Brazil, there has been an Elijah to Brandsma series with 3 days each of reality and reflection and retreat. It has been going on for 14 years now. There is also a Biblical Week. And there has been developing a Carmel Retiro - the 40 days of Elijah, or a mini-retreat of 4 days! It is important that there be more than political or social motivation for social action. The need is to develop stronger theological roots. But these programs are not in the structure of formation themselves.
Wilfrid shared that when the formators met in Aylesford this summer, they were very aware of consumerism and individualism - a worldwide phenomenon, not limited to the Western countries. The candidates are often coming from a culture of individual versus the group and of establishing things as quasi-idols of adoration. Especially is this true in the more developed countries where privatised religion is a kind of cousin to political neo-conservativism.
How do we continue dialog with the Formation Commission? Do we have enough texts to offer them in their work? What more can we do to be of assistance to the formators? What else needs to be done with the Carmelite Directory? Thankfully, there is a section devoted to peace and justice. Does it already need revision?
The Superiors General have requested each order to look at the issue of formation with the prism of peace and justice. The Secretariat will follow up on this matter.
Follow up on Zelo Zelatus Sum
Three texts are in - Carlos, Wilfrid and Amilton.
Antonio suggested two other libretti - one recapturing notions from the Legends of Carmelite Saints, the other one a new collection of stories about contemporary Carmelites expressing their commitment to Jesus through just living - eg., the stories of the Czechoslovakia members who fought for a right to believe, many in the Philippines who struggled for peace even at the cost of their lives, Canisius Hinde who has lived a life of personal simplicity but also risked his life visiting Central America during the massacres.
The Secretariat's role is to follow up contact with other authors who were recommended for the Zelo series.
H - New Course on JPIC for Carmelites
What
were some of the benefits of Aylesford 2001? Diversity, catholicity, subject
material, range of interest.
What were some of the difficulties? Language, availability, cost
Would regional courses be of benefit?
To the General Council - Would a program on social justice fit in with the Commission on Ongoing Formation. They have had courses on Priors, Mary, Elias, Rule.
The next general chapter is 2007. A proposed time table:
2003-4 - Ask provincials for an appointed member from each province (friar or lay) as well as extend an invitation to each of the women's congregations
2005 - a goal for
the promoters' meeting with the general commission
three weeks - time for hearing, reflecting, doing
2007 (2008?) - Perhaps time for another international course before the chapter or soon after.
The manual, Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, should be available for all the promoters chosen so that they have some context of the historical development among religious orders and a basic text to adapt. (Is it still in print? Is a second edition coming out? Is it available on diskette?)
Can we also encourage a distance learning course on Carmelite spirituality and justice that is available online? Who is available to compose it? To teach it?
12-15 Nov 2003
European Social Forum in Paris, derived from Porto Allegre
16-20 January 2004 International Social Forum in India, registration deadline
Oct 30 (is there any connection with the CMI groups in India?)
The UN Theme for 2004 is RICE.
Some other days of interest
January 13th
- Frei Caneca (Pernambuco
January 18th - World Religion Day
March 5th - World Day of Prayer
July 12th - Captive Nations' Week
September 21 - World Peace Day
December 1st - World Aids Day - World Immigrant Day
December 10th - Human Rights Day
December 12th - World Peace Celebration
Other Business
Nelson, Gilvander, Ken Petersen, and Rainer send out e-mail notices. (hard for some computer systems to receive them all - can we cite internet sites when possible?)
Next Meeting
Recommended
a) Kinshasa in Congo http://www.congo-pages.org/kinshasa.htm
b) Indonesia
c) Curitiba in Brazil
1st week of October 2004 4-11 (includes several days of immersion before the meeting)
Need to summarize
and prioritise decisions of the commission
Dave Blanshard as a member
ONG/NGO
October 4th
Summary-
A. To the General
1) The commission
requests that the General write a personal letter on the relationship of Spirituality
and justice (cf. p. 6)
a) the distortion of God's name used to manipulate against human dignity
is one Elijan theme that applies.
B. To the General Curia
We are the Decade of Peace, 2004 is the Year of Rice.
Español
COMISIÓN "JUSTICIA Y PAZ"
Durante la primera
semana de octubre la Comisión Internacional por la Justicia y la Paz de la
Orden se reunió en New York para su encuentro anual. Fue un encuentro muy
productivo en el cuál se expusieron los trabajos hechos durante el año 2002-2003.
Fueron confirmados los compromisos asumidos de informar, formar y actuar como
carmelitas en el campo de la Justicia y Paz en todos los países donde está
presente la Orden. La Comisión avaló positivamente los avances con respecto
a la ONG Carmelita ante la ONU y la necesidad de proseguir por este camino;
presentó algunas propuestas al Consejo General: la organización de un secretariado
de Justicia y Paz que pueda tornar eficaz el trabajo de la Comisión; que el
Padre General escriba una carta a toda la Orden sobre “la contemplación y
la Justicia y Paz”; que cada Provincia tenga un promotor de Justicia y Paz.
La Comisión programó sus futuros trabajos: en el campo de la formación de
los promotores de Justicia y Paz; trabajar en colaboración con otras comisiones
de la Orden, sobre todo aquella de comunicación para cuidar de la página Web;
promover nuevos contactos con otros grupos de Justicia y Paz; proseguir con
la publicación de la colección “zelo zelatus sum”, sobre la tradición de Justicia
y Paz en la vida pasada y reciente de la Orden.
(NB: Para
la versión completa de las notas ver la versión
inglesa).
Italiano
COMMISSIONE "GIUSTIZIA E PACE"
Nella prima settimana
di ottobre la Commissione Internazionale di Giustizia e Pace dell’Ordine si
è riunita a New York per il suo incontro annuale. Fu un incontro molto produttivo
in cui si sono esposti i lavori fatti durante l’anno 2002-2003. Sono stati
confermati gli impegni assunti di informare, formare e agire come carmelitani
nel campo della Giustizia e Pace in tutti i paesi dove è presente l’Ordine.
La Commissione ha valutato positivamente i progressi rispetto alla ONG Carmelitana
presso l’ONU e la necessità di proseguire su questa strada; ha presentato
alcune proposte al Consiglio Generale: l’organizzazione di un segretariato
di Giustizia e Pace che possa rendere efficace il lavoro della Commissione;
che il Padre Generale scriva una lettera all’Ordine sulla “contemplazione
e la Giustizia e Pace” ; che ogni Provincia abbia un promotore di Giustizia
e Pace. La Commissione ha programmato i suoi futuri lavori: nel campo della
formazione di promotori di Giustizia e Pace; lavorare in collaborazione con
altre commissioni dell’Ordine, soprattutto quella di comunicazione per curare
la pagina Web; promuovere nuovi contatti con altri gruppi di Giustizia e Pace;
proseguire con la pubblicazione della collana “zelo zelatus sum”, sulla tradizione
di Giustizia e Pace nella vita passata e attuale dell’Ordine.
(NB: Per
la versione completa dei verbali vedi la versione
inglese).
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