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THE MSOLA COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE,
PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION
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MSOLA in a demonstration in the Philippines. | |
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External
and interior factors have increased the situations of distress in Africa (extreme
poverty, conflicts, violence, corruption, fundamentalist movements...).
Certain
Church leaders in Africa are defending the oppressed and victims of injustice
at the cost of their own lives. With them we are committed TO WORK FOR JUSTICE,
PEACE AND RECONCILIATION. As
congregation, the MSOLA have taken the option to build a "CULTURE OF PEACE",
wherever the sisters are, specially in their work with refugees, victims of violence
, street children...
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We present some MSOLA committed in the work for Justice
and Peace
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Religious committed to Justice
in the PhilippinesWith
the Sisters' Association in Mindanao (SAMIN), the MSOLA join in different campaigns
as we can see from the pictures. Religious
women in the Philippines are very committed to Justice. They often participate
in public demonstrations. Every
year, the 21st September, which commemorates the anniversary of Martial Law of
1972, is a 'National day of prayer and reflection for Justice, Freedom and Peace'.
SAMIN, organizes 'information' days on different relevant themes: The social teaching
of the Church, Genetically Modified Foods,…
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Sr.
Gyslaine Dubé in a demonstration for
women's rights in the country. | |
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That
has helped us to become aware of the threats of the new technologies for the harvests
and the whole food chain, as well as the health hazards. Very interesting, but
also scary!
With
SAMIN, we visited the Alson strikers on our boulevard to encourage them in their
struggle for justice. Three hundred workers have been on strike for more than
15 months now. We were able to prepare a celebration during Advent and shared
a meal with their families. We
will also participate in a campaign with other women networks against pornography
on our city walls. Sr.
Gys Dubé (Canada)
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Lobbying at European Institutions: a new way of living the MSOLA
charism
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Sr. Maria Alexis (Belgium) "Doing"
politics as a civilian… is this a new direction for a missionary commitment?
This
is what happened to me when I returned to Belgium in 1995 for the new community
of Louvain-la-Neuve. The provincial asked me to participate in the activities
of the Belgian Antenna of AEFJN. |
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Sr.
Maria Alexis with a group of collaborators
from Louvain-la-Neuve Parish
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saw that as a continuation of my commitment in Bukavu with the GRAPES, a political
and social reflection group from the diocese and religious working "for peace".In
Bukavu, how often did we say: "We cry in the desert". It
seems to me that the AEFJN project helps us to be a support to cries that come
from Africa. Writing to ministers and making contacts with members of parliament
in Belgium or in Europe, are an encouragement to Africans in exile, to make their
voices heard. It conscientises people around us to the situations of injustice
where African countries are victims. Even if, at times what we do seems unsuccessful,
it does begin to trace little furrows toward peace and love. Often it calls for
a lot of faith. It
is important to work with other groups who have similar aims: Pax Christi, "Entr'Aide
et Fraternité", organizations fighting against child soldiers, etc.
There are at times, small victories, like the rise in the minimum age to 18 years
for recruitment of soldiers, adopted by the United Nations; and there are signs
that are encouraging, like the workshop I gave about Child Soldiers during the
activities of Mission Month, to children of 11-12 years old. They were so impressed
that they signed a letter addressed to the head of an African State, with a copy
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They will surely be a support for their families
and friends. I see a very close link between Missionary Animation and commitment
to issues of Justice and Peace. But often the prayer that comes from my heart
is : "If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labor".
And also: "He renews your youth like an eagle's" These
are new paths to explore at this time of my Golden Jubilee as a missionary. It
is a gift from the Lord to be received with the heart of a child who knows in
whom she has put her trust. Sr.
Maria Alexis (Belgium)
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 | | Sr.
Begoña,MSOLA and Fr. Luc Coppejans, MAfr, both working at the AEFJN Secretariat
in Brussels. | |
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Working for Africa-Europe
Faith and Justice in Brussels
Sr. Begoña Iñarra (Spain)
In the lobbies of the European Parliament, at
meetings with NGO's, people wonder what a missionary is doing in such milieu,
but they are getting used to it. For
three years I have been working at the international secretariat of " Africa-Europe
Faith and Justice Network" (AEFJN), which represents 40 religious congregations.
Its aim is to promote just and equitable relations between
Africa and Europe in view of changing "structures". The organization
pursues issues that affect Africa but about which decisions are taken in Europe,
or at International level, such as the 'Debt' or the 'International Trade Organization'
(WTO). |
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Together with other groups of civil society, there is an effort to have an influence
on the European Union, (the Commission and the members of Parliament), so that
their policies may take into account the realities and interests of Africa. I
was impressed by the commitment and the competence of the NGO's, and their work
so that the people may be at the heart of policies, decisions and institutions,
instead of the actual situation where "free trade" is the main focus.
I also visited the Antennae (national groups of AEFJN), organized by religious
and some lay people. These lobby at national level for issues concerning justice
and they encourage religious men and women to participate. The
sessions on justice which I continue to animate, enable me to be more directly
in contact with other religious and members of NGO's. They are enriching moments
where the sharing of what inflames us gives me the courage to go forward. Just
to see how the commitment for justice has grown among religious men and women
is a cause for deep joy. I believe in what I do, and I find it is a way of living
the mission today. Sr.
Begoña Iñarra, MSOLA
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