As we draw near to World Communications Day 2012, I would like to share with you some reflections concerning an aspect of the human process of communication which, despite its importance, is often overlooked and which, at the present time, it would seem especially necessary to recall.
FOR THE 46th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 
 
 
 
Silence and Word: Path of Evangelization
 
As we draw near to World Communications Day 2012, I would like to share with you some reflections concerning an aspect of the human process of communication which, despite its importance, is often overlooked and which, at the present time, it would seem especially necessary to recall. It concerns the relationship between silence and word: two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance, to alternate and to be integrated with one another if authentic dialogue and deep closeness between people are to be achieved. When word and silence become mutually exclusive, communication breaks down, either because it gives rise to confusion or because, on the contrary, it creates an atmosphere of coldness; when they complement one another, however, communication acquires value and meaning.
 
Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth; we understand with greater clarity what it is we want to say and what we expect from others; and we choose how to express ourselves. By remaining silent we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself; and we avoid being tied simply to our own words and ideas without them being adequately tested. In this way, space is created for mutual listening, and deeper human relationships become possible.
 
Joy, anxiety, and suffering can all be communicated in silence – indeed it provides them with a particularly powerful mode of expression. Silence, then, gives rise to even more active communication, requiring sensitivity and a capacity to listen that often makes manifest the true measure and nature of the relationships involved. When messages and information are plentiful, silence becomes essential if we are to distinguish what is important from what is insignificant or secondary.
 
For this to happen, it is necessary to develop an appropriate environment, a kind of ‘eco-system’ that maintains a just equilibrium between silence, words, images and sounds.
 
If we are to recognize and focus upon the truly important questions, then silence is a precious commodity that enables us to exercise proper discernment in the face of the surcharge of stimuli and data that we receive.
 
Word and silence: learning to communicate is learning to listen and contemplate as well as speak. This is especially important for those engaged in the task of evangelization: both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church’s work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today’s world.
 
POPE BENEDICT XVI
 
 
 
 

May 15 of every year is the U.N International Day of Families. The JPIC office here in Rome wanted to call attention to it this year, so they asked the Holy Family of Bordeaux to provide a prayer to be translated and sent out all over the world. Colleen Moore was happy to do this in our name.
Prayer Service, International Day of Families
May 15
 

 
May 15 of every year is the U.N International Day of Families. The JPIC office here in Rome wanted to call attention to it this year, so they asked the Holy Family of Bordeaux to provide a prayer to be translated and sent out all over the world. Colleen Moore was happy to do this in our name.
 
We are attaching the prayer, and would also encourage those of you who have internet access to look for “International Day of Families” in the UN Website. The theme for this year is “Ensuring Work-Family Balance”.
 
Click here to download Prayer => International Day of Families
 
If you find any interesting way to celebrate this day, our Information Service here in Rome would be happy to hear about it!
 
 
Every blessing, on Family Day and every day!
 
JPIC Rome
 
 
 

What was the experience of the participants during this final phase of the session? In what direction was the group moving?
After days of deep reflection and mutual listening, the participants prepared to live through the final stage of the session which had two main objectives:
THE FINAL STAGE OF THE SESSION
 
What was the experience of the participants during this final phase of the session?  In what direction was the group moving?
 
After days of deep reflection and mutual listening, the participants prepared to live through the final stage of the session which had two main objectives:
1.      Develop common thinking around Holy Family Formation today.
2.      Decide on ways forward.
 
With the title of the session: “Formation for Communion” in mind and after a number of days of personal reflection and group work, the participants began to outline a common policy.
 

 
The first step was to name five clear, well-defined points which the participants viewed as calls and which would lead to change in Holy Family Formation.  Each group worked on one of the following points:
New calls relating to our way of living our vows for mission
New calls relating to Pastoral work for vocations and the pre-novitiate stage
Some changes are already taking place.  Which of these do we wish to affirm?
New calls relating to formation communities and the stage of temporary vows
New calls relating to our Formation Teams and the Novitiate period.
After coming to a common view around formation and agreeing to the decisions that are to be taken, the participants went to work on the contents of a document which sets out the decisions taken and the way forward. 
 
One step more is needed and this is:
 
The adaptation to the different contexts of the decisions taken.
 
Given their particular situation, Canada, France, Spain, Britain and Ireland, Poland and South Africa see the need to concentrate their energies on the Pastoral Care of Vocations.  In order to respond to this need, it was decided that an international team be set up.  The General Council approved this decision and Margaret sent out a letter of information to the leadership teams in the different units about this initiative and naming the sisters who would form part of this team.  They are:
Maria CROWLEY                Great Britain and Ireland
Rosa GARCIA REBOLLO      Spain
Lorette LAFFARGUE          European Network
Adela VANACLOCHA          Noailles Centre, Martillac
 
The team set to work immediately to outline an immediate programme.
 
The full assembly summarised the fruits of the session in a document approved by all the participants.  The document was given to a small team for final editing.
 
Margaret’s closing words reminded the participants that their task is ongoing:
“We send you back to your respective units to transmit the decisions made at this session, first to the leadership teams and then to the formation teams.  I ask you to do so in ways that will help others to understand the experience here and will encourage them to collaborate in the implementation of the changes that are needed…”
 
The final prayer which was rich in meaning closed a session that is so full of promise for Holy Family Formation.
 
 
 

During this stage, two days were spent reflecting more deeply on the theme: “Feminine Religious Life” from the perspective of the new world vision. Emphasis was placed on the feminine dimension and we were helped in this reflection by Giselle Gomez.

“FEMININE RELIGIOUS LIFE”

 

 
As the session continued the group moved forward to look at the challenges which our living of the vows in today’s society present.
 
During this stage, two days were spent reflecting more deeply on the theme: “Feminine Religious Life” from the perspective of the new world vision.  Emphasis was placed on the feminine dimension and we were helped in this reflection by Giselle Gomez.
 
Her methodology was very interactive, using slides, songs, texts for reflection, moments of silence to listen to God, oneself and others.  There were times of dialogue and sharing.
 
A new integrated vision of the vows and feminine religious life as prophecy and mysticism was presented.  Some of Giselle’s insights helped us to look at these realities with new eyes.
The vows understood from a relational perspective and lived for the mission can become a dynamic energy that leads to change.
When we interpret the vows and when we place the emphasis on values rather than on laws, we are giving back to the vows the sense of a covenantal relationship with God and with the people and we give to humanity the possibility of living these desires that lie deepest in the hearts of human beings – desires that are not just proper to religious life.
The vows help us to be prophets and mystics in our consecrated life for mission.  Mysticism and prophecy are two dimensions that we need to safeguard if we are to be faithful to God and to people.
The vows are a means of following Jesus.  The essence of the vows is the desire that all humans have for love, freedom, taking initiatives and responsibility in the creation of a new world.  The vows do not make us superior.  Like Jesus we are called to be one with all humanity
When we make vows we accept to work with our brothers and sisters to defend the rights, the dignity of all who long for life
Religious Life is dynamic; we are called to live in an attitude of seeking so as to discern where and how we must commit ourselves today
May we always live in an attitude of alertness and never tire of seeking God’s will!
 
 

To begin with, we present an overview of the session as follows:
The theme, nature and aim of the session: “Formation for Communion”.
Margaret’s opening words helped the participants to open themselves to the newness of the gift of each day and presented to the group the main objective of the session:
THE INTERNATIONAL FORMATION SESSION
APRIL 2012
 
To begin with, we present an overview of the session as follows:
The theme, nature and aim of the session: “Formation for Communion”
Margaret’s opening words helped the participants to open themselves to the newness of the gift of each day and presented to the group the main objective of the session:
 
“To develop a common thought around Holy Family Formation today”
 
The Sacred PRESENCE of LOVE in creation let us listen to the WORD as given in today’s gospel, inviting us to new depths of Life.
 
As the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  He said to them, “Have you no fish? 
 
Having labored the whole night, they caught nothing.  Struggling in the dark, in the night had been in vain.  Yet the dawn of light, results in abundance with the joyful awareness of who Jesus is.
 
The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”
 
God’s Love breaks through creation’s circle of life.  Creation is crying out like the Beloved disciple, “It is the Lord; it is the Holy One”.  Yet this Divine Face, Divine Presence in creation remains unrecognized!
 
Jesus said to them, “come and have breakfast.”
 
The Word of God growing out of land and sea and sky keeps inviting, “Come and eat; feast at the table of Earth”.
 
Let us open our eyes to see and our ears to listen to the new disciples of creation calling us to feast at Earth’s sacred table; to celebrate our oneness with the whole creation in BEING Mutual Self – GIFT.
 
“May they be one, even as we are one.”  
“Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I send you…  Receive the Holy Spirit.”
 
May these ideas unite us in the desire to give an adequate response to the calls being addressed to us today. 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet.
 
 
 
International Mother Earth Day
 
22 April
 

 
Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin.
 
The proclamation of 22 April as International Mother Earth Day is an acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.
 
This year in June, world leaders will gather at the Rio+20 sustainable development conference, to discus on two main themes: how to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people out of poverty; and how to improve international coordination for sustainable development.
 
http://www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/
 
 

During these days, the group worked on some essential elements of the process of formation – discernment, evaluation and the practice of accompaniment.
 
The Formation Session continues its reflection …
 
 
 
DAYS 14,15,16,17 18
 
 
 
 
During these days, the group worked on some essential elements of the process of formation – discernment, evaluation and the practice of accompaniment.
 
 
 
·         They shared on the changes being put into practice as a result of the reflection done on the document : Orientations on Basic Formation
 
·         They shared on the essential elements that should be implemented in Holy Family Formation.
 
·         They shared also on the present situation in Holy Family Basic Formation
 
 
 
In a word they informed themselves about the different contexts and all this was accomplished in a listening atmosphere and placing a good deal of emphasis on the contemplation of our reality.
 
 
 
During the last two days Sister Nellie McLaughlin, Mercy, helped the group to contemplate our reality from the lens of the New Story of the Universe.  She helped the group to widen, deepen and enrich our way of looking at the world and our call to the Consecrated Life.
  
 
 
We hope that these few lines which we offer you will help you to feel connected to those who are following the session and will enable all of us to feel closely united in the mission which is the mission of us all.
  

OUR TRUE INHERITANCE
 
The cosmos is full of precious stones.
I will offer a handful of these to you this morning,
Each moment of life is a gem
That shines, that contains heaven and earth
Water and clouds.
 
A puff of energy is all that is needed for miracles to happen
Suddenly you will hear birds warbling
Pine trees singing
See flowers opening
The blue sky
The white clouds
The look and the smile of the one you love.
 
You are the richest person on earth
And yet you wander around
Begging for life
Enough! You are not a child beggar!
Take hold of life
Enjoy happiness
Offer it to all around you
Enjoy this moment
Get rid of the sadness that is in you
Embrace life with open arms
 
 
 
Thich Nhat Hahn
 
 

 
 
 

Neither the power of Rome nor the Temple authorities were willing to
let Jesus’ movement continue. His preaching about God was simply dangerous.He did not speak about Tiberius’ empire and simply invited people to seek the kingdom of God and his justice.
IDENTIFIED WITH THE VICTIMS
 
 
Sieger Koeder
 
Neither the power of Rome nor the Temple authorities were willing to let Jesus’ movement continue. His preaching about God was simply dangerous.

 

He did not speak about Tiberius’ empire and simply invited people to seek the kingdom of God and his justice. Jesus did not speak about the law of the Sabbath and other religious traditions and seemed to be keen only on helping the sick and the hungry of Galilee.

 

They would never forgive him for that. He identified himself too much with the innocent victims of the Empire and with those that the Temple authorities did not recognize. He was executed on a cross and He is now identified as God and representing all the innocent victims in history. Along with the cry of those victims, we can now hear God’s own cry.

 

In the disfigured face of Jesus crucified we can see the revelation of a new God that might me in disagreement with some of the traditional ways of representing God. It certainly questions the religious practice of offering worship to a God who is cut off from a world in which the poorest and the weakest ones continue to be crucified.

 

If God had died for those that the world ignored, his crucifixion must remain a continued challenge for all his followers. We cannot separate God from the suffering of innocent people. We cannot worship the Crucified and still remain indifferent to the suffering of so many people who are being condemned to hunger, war and misery.

 

God continues to speak to us through thousands of people who are being crucified today. We cannot go on living as mere spectators of such terrible human injustice and still believe in our own innocence. We must rebel against such culture of indifference that has taught us to stay away and not even hear the cry of so many millions of suffering people.

 

We cannot remain locked up in our own welfare society, ignoring that there is another suffering society of millions of human beings who were born only to find their lives shortened and extinguished by suffering and famine.

 

It is totally inhuman and unchristian to have our lives settled with all kinds of welfare systems millions of others who have only known every form of injustice, suffering and insecurity.

 

When Christians raise their eyes and look at the Crucified, we ought to see the unfathomable love of a God who gave his life for each and every one of us. And if we look at him more carefully, soon we will discover in His face the faces of so many people like us who are crying for compassion and help.

 

Jose Antonio Pagola 
Gospel Network BUENAS NOTICIAS      

 

April 1, 2012
 MK 14 1-15,47(B)

It is often very difficult to describe one’s experiences. The experience of a life, at least in my case, is very much about what I am living today, in the present moment. It is about articulating what is deepest within me, my relationship with God. When in the presence of God, one can only remain in silence, in adoration, admiration, love….
For me the 25 March is a symbol, a synthesis of what I have always desired and still desire in my life.

WHAT DOES 25 MARCH MEAN TO ME?
 
 
 
It is often very difficult to describe one’s experiences.  The experience of a life, at least in my case, is very much about what I am living today, in the present moment.  It is about articulating what is deepest within me, my relationship with God.  When in the presence of God, one can only remain in silence, in adoration, admiration, love….
 
I am filled with hope as I live this, my jubilee year.  The 25 March is just a single day but in celebrating God’s love, I think of my whole life.  On 25 March this year I will publicly renew my vows with great joy in our parish community just as so many married couples celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.  This renewed commitment is much deeper, more solid than those first vows that I made long ago and I am more in love than ever, surer of God’s love for me and more abandoned to God’s will for me.
Little by little I have come to understand that God does not relate to us as “servants” but rather as “dearly loved sons and daughters”.  I have understood that God’s will for me and for all of us is that we be happy.  If earthly parents want this for their children, how much more does God want happiness for us?  This is what Jesus told us.
 
All that God wants is to see us happy, in peace, free, good.  Many times I have found that if I am not happy, then it is very difficult for me to do good, to love my neighbour, to love all people in spite of everything, in spite of the difficulties of daily life.
I have had the good fortune to live with the poor.  I was not always able to do what I would have liked but I have gladly carried out the mission entrusted to me.  If I weigh the fruits of my work, I experience myself with empty hands.  I see very little fruit after so much energy spent, so much work and sometimes futile worry…However I leave all in God’s hands and know that I have a heart full of love.  That is why I feel happy, grace-filled, full of love for my sisters and the people with whom I live – the people of Paraguay who have taught me so much and who have helped me to live the Gospel.  I feel full of love for my family, for the sisters in the Province of Spain who welcome me back just as I am when I return on leave.
 
So I have a lot to celebrate during this Jubilee year.

I have read the passage in Leviticus 25, 8 and I asked myself what do these words mean: “ A holy year, a year of liberation, justice and holiness”; “The earth cannot be sold…because the earth is mine”…”God brought us out of slavery and called us to walk upright, free …”
 
I reflected a great deal on these words and I wish to free myself from egoism and abandon myself to GOD ALONE.  How it hurts me to see how far away we are, how far I am from practising JUSTICE AND MERCY AS GOD DOES.  
 
I found it hard to believe in God’s love.  I was not spared suffering – my own and that of members of my family – but God showed me mercy and was very present to me in the extraordinary gestures of love and peace on the part of my sisters who have always had great patience with me.  So for these and so many other things I have so much to thank God for and so much to celebrate.  For the rest of my life I want to thank all my sisters and I say with all my heart:
 
THANK you God for the life you have given me.
Perhaps in the eyes of some it has been a life of failure…an absurd, useless life, one that has not made good use of the talents that God has given me.
But being in God’s hands is enough for me; all that matters to me is to go on loving whether I feel God’s presence or not, in suffering and pain.
I follow a sure path when I remain in God’s hands.
This beautiful stage of my life that I am enjoying at present, here in Paraguay or elsewhere is a great grace; it is a long journey for those who wish to remain in God’s hands.
Today O God let my self-giving be pleasing to you.  May my gift of self please you in spite of my weaknesses which more than anything else awaken your love and tenderness.
My gratitude is a small thing but it is pleasing to you and I desire with all my heart to feel, each day, your loving motherly, fatherly arms around me.
 
Amelia Fernandez
Community of Nemby, Paraguay
 

 
 

The Executive Committee of ECRL agreed in its meeting in November 2011 to join the other bodies of Religions for Peace in Europe to pay particular attention to water as a challenge to the wellbeing of humanity and Mother Earth.
WATER IS LIFE
 

The Executive Committee of ECRL agreed in its meeting in November 2011 to join the other bodies of Religions for Peace in Europe to pay particular attention to water as a challenge to the wellbeing of humanity and Mother Earth.
Water is important in the practices and beliefs of most religions; water manifests itself in different ways in our religious traditions.   http://www.africanwater.org/religion.htm .
 
Water is a fundamental building block of life.  Without water there is no life. Water challenges human existence in different ways:  too little and too much, lack of clean water, water as a right – or as a commercial commodity, water as fundamental requirement for food production, salt water – fresh water, water management as contributing to conflict or harmony… 
The United Nations has been seized by water and has instituted the World Water Day, which in 2012 is 22 March.  As a modest start of our water engagement we encourage you to join together on national level in marking World Water Day.
World Water Day 2012 focuses on Water and Food Security (http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday). 
When a billion people in the world already live in chronic hunger and water resources are under pressure we cannot pretend the problem is ‘elsewhere’.
Most of us have little knowledge of how much water is needed to produce our every-day food, starting with the 140 litres of water needed for our morning cup of coffee, and 40 litres for one slice of bread.  1,500 litres of water are needed to produce one kilogram of grain, while a beef steak requires 7,000 litres! 
ECRL will attempt to address water in ways that are in line with who we are.  Strategies for reflection and action will be developed, inviting ideas from Council members and other Religions for Peace bodies in Europe.
We encourage you to take some action around the World Water Day, with the following objectives:
Raise awareness of the significance of water in your own and other religious traditions
Increase knowledge about the linkage between water and the food dishes on our table
Support actions that preserve water as a right for all, and that can secure sufficient water for responsible food production.
Wishes for a constructive engagement in World Water Day
 
Mª Angeles Murcia
Member of ECRL
General Bursar