JPIC Workshop, Pilgrims of Hope

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5,9).

In light of the global situation we are experiencing, I want to begin with this biblical quote, as many people are suffering for their right to peace and justice. Even our land is now considered the poorest of the poor due to human-made distributions, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Last week, from February 10 to 14, Beatriz and I had the opportunity to participate in the JPIC workshop organized by the UISG here in Rome. In this workshop, we had various topics and speakers (religious sisters, priests, laity) who are deeply involved in the mission of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation.

They shared knowledge and experiences, as well as some valuable tools to implement a JPIC Action Plan in each Congregation. They invited us to weave networks to unite and work as one family for a better world for all.

The exchange of experiences between people from different groups, coming from diverse realities, encouraged us to focus on the origin of our charism and ask ourselves what our founders would do in our current reality. It has been a call, a cry to continue being the voice of migrants, human beings suffering from human trafficking, to set our sights on Africa, and to take care of our common home.

If we want to live in a safer world and in peace with all, let us unite and work with one heart, and together we can defend our reality from “the scourges of our century”. As Pope Francis reminds us, “we need to smell like sheep”. To smell like sheep is to have the heart and gaze of a sheep. Yes, we need to better understand the reality of those who suffer, which will lead us to discern and act.

Anastasia Wio