The celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees once again gives me the opportunity to express the Church’s constant concern for those who, in different ways, experience a life of emigration.

MESSAGE OF BENEDICT XVI
This year’s theme —
“Minor migrants and refugees”
17 January 2010
 

The celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees once again gives me the opportunity to express the Church’s constant concern for those who, in different ways, experience a life of emigration. This is a phenomenon which, as I wrote in the Encyclical Caritas in Veritate, upsets us due to the number of people involved and the social, economic, political, cultural and religious problems it raises on account of the dramatic challenges it poses to both national and international communities. The migrant is a human person who possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance (cf. n. 62).
This year’s theme — “Minor migrants and refugees” — touches an aspect that Christians view with great attention, remembering the warning of Christ who at the Last Judgment will consider as directed to himself everything that has been done or denied “to one of the least of these” (cf. Mt 25:40, 45). And how can one fail to consider migrant and refugee minors as also being among the “least”? As a child, Jesus himself experienced migration for, as the Gospel recounts, in order to flee the threats of Herod, he had to seek refuge in Egypt together with Joseph and Mary (cf. Mt 2:14).
While the Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly states that the best interests of the minor shall always be safeguarded (cf. Art. 3, 1), recognizing his or her fundamental human rights as equal to the rights of adults, unfortunately this does not always happen in practice.
Although there is increasing public awareness of the need for immediate and incisive action to protect minors, nevertheless, many are left to themselves and, in various ways, face the risk of exploitation. My venerable Predecessor, John Paul II, voiced the dramatic situation in which they live in the Message he addressed to the Secretary General of the United Nations on 22 September 1990, on the occasion of the World Summit for Children.”I am a witness of the heart-breaking plight of millions of children on every continent. They are most vulnerable, because they are least able to make their voice heard” (L’Osservatore Romano, English edition, 1 October 1990, p. 13). I warmly hope that proper attention will be given to minor migrants who need a social environment that permits and fosters their physical, cultural, spiritual and moral development. Living in a foreign land without effective points of reference generates countless and sometimes serious hardships and difficulties for them, especially those deprived of the support of their family.
A typical aspect of the migration of minors is the situation of children born in the host country or of those who do not live with their parents, who emigrated after their birth, but join them later. These adolescents belong to two cultures with all the advantages and problems attached to their dual background, a condition that can nevertheless offer them the opportunity to experience the wealth of an encounter between different cultural traditions. It is important that these young people be given the possibility of attending school and subsequently of being integrated into the world of work, and that their social integration be facilitated by appropriate educational and social structures. It should never be forgotten that adolescence constitutes a fundamental phase for the formation of human beings.A particular category of minors is that of refugees seeking asylum, who, for various reasons, are fleeing their own country, where they are not given adequate protection. Statistics show that their numbers are increasing. This is therefore a phenomenon that calls for careful evaluation and coordinated action by implementing appropriate measures of prevention, protection and welcome, as set forth in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (cf. Art. 22).I now turn in particular to parishes and to the many Catholic associations which, imbued with a spirit of faith and charity, take pains to meet the needs of these brothers and sisters of ours. While I express gratitude for all that is being done with great generosity, I would like to invite all Christians to become aware of the social and pastoral challenges posed by migrant and refugee minors.
Jesus’ words resound in our hearts: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35), as, likewise, the central commandment he left us: to love God with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind, but together with love of neighbour (cf. Mt 22:37-39).
This leads us to consider that any of our concrete interventions must first be nurtured by faith in the action of grace and divine Providence. In this way also hospitality and solidarity to strangers, especially if they are children, become a proclamation of the Gospel of solidarity. The Church proclaims this when she opens her arms and strives to have the rights of migrants and refugees respected, moving the leaders of Nations, and those in charge of international organizations and institutions to promote opportune initiatives for their support.May the Blessed Virgin Mary watch over us all and help us to understand the difficulties faced by those who are far from their homeland. I assure all those who are involved in the vast world of migrants and refugees of my prayers and cordially impart to them the Apostolic Blessing.
From the Vatican, 16 October 2009BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

Nanattan is a village surrounded by natural beauty. The Church of our Lady of Health is very close to the convent. This church was built on 1895. The people of this village are of great faith.
 
THE HOLY FAMILY SISTERS OF NANATTAN CELEBRATES THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE FOUNDATION

Nanattan is a village surrounded by natural beauty. TheChurch ofour Lady of Health is very close to the convent. This church was built on 1895. The people of this village are of great faith.

During the Time of Bishop Emilianuspillai O.M.I the Bishop of Jaffna Rev.Fr.Nicholas Gunaseelan who was the chief pastor for the parish of Nanattan. On his request Rev.Sr.Visitation WHELAN agreed to build a convent at Nanattan. Having known the progress of the people she sent 4 sisters to work there. At the beginning the sisters   were staying in a school compound till they had a convent built themselves. With the help of the Bishop and with the effort of the parishioners the convent was built. When the parish priest together with the priests from neighboring villages and with Provincial and sisters gathered together it was blessed and opened by the Bishop of Kandy Rt.Rev.Dr.Leo Nanayakara on 10.01.1960.

The Sisters were mostly engaged in teaching and in pastoral work. There were 12 sub stations where they had to render their service. They went everywhere on foot. It is remarkable that a good number of youth embrace priesthood and religious life. We have a good number of sisters belonging to this parish.

Now, in the midst of continuous displacements sisters were working there for the upliftment of the people concentrating on their integral formation by doing the following ministries. Education, preschool, Boarding, Pastoral work Catechizing and preparing for sacraments, Family Apostoalate, Youth ministry and medical care. Last Year when the people of Arippu were displaced they have take refuge in their relative’s houses who were here in this village. And Our sisters of Arrippu stayed with this community and from here they went to work for their people.

The Lay associates are formed and they actively work with the sisters for the upliftment of the people, sharing their difficulties and pain.
 

When Very Rev.Henry Julian O.M.I the Bishop of Jaffna at the request of Rev.Frs. Verlandoor and Huctine O.M.I Rev.Mother Clement Converaux then Superior of Holy Family Convent, Ilavalai newly opened a community at Naranthanai on the 10.01.1910.
 
THE HOLY FMAILY SISTERS CELEBRATE 100  YEARS IN NARANTHANAI

When Very Rev.Henry Julian O.M.I the Bishop of Jaffna at the request of Rev.Frs. Verlandoor and Huctine O.M.I Rev.Mother Clement Converaux  then Superior of Holy Family Convent, Ilavalai newly opened a community at Naranthanai on the 10.01.1910. At the beginning the sisters were residing in a house close to theParishChurch. Then in 1914 they moved to the newly built convent.

Since the convent was badly damaged  it needed  to build a new and  Sr.Carmelita -the Provincial  laid a new foundation for the new house in 1984 and it was completed in 1986. It was opened and blessed by Bishop Deogupillai on the feast of the Holy Family on 28. 12. 1986.

During the period of 100 years , sisters were engaged in the following ministries:

Teaching inGovernmentSchools, Family Apostolate, Pastoral work- catechetical and preparing for sacraments etc. Working for the upliftment of the people who are marginalized 53 sisters have worked there and among them 18 sisters have been the leaders of the community. It was closed on 25.08.1992 due to war.

Sr. Shanthi Simon who were there when they had to leave everything and move to safer place gives her short account of her experience.

On 5 August, the soldiers started shelling and gradually the sisters had to evacuate the place with the people. They walked about 3 kilometres and stayed inChaddyChurch with about 500 people who have left their houses and taken shelter in the church. Around 5.00 p.m, the Government forces suspected that the LTTE cadres were hiding in the church compound and 50 cadres fired from the helicopter and 4 people died and 21 were injured and within seconds the church turned into a pool of blood. All 5,000 people rushed to the nearby village called Punkudutheevu which is 12 K.M away. On the way people who had houses offered water or drink and two of our sisters too joined the people. Srs. Shanthi Simon, Hermon Joseph Nicholapillai, Hilda Singarayar and Doreen Philip were the last to leave the church along with the priests covering the dead bodies inside the church and closed the church, accompanied the elders and sick and reached Punkudutheevu. After a week when the priests came back to Naranthanai they found 61 of the parishioners had been killed by intruding soldiers. It was a real lamentation. Then the convent was closed on 25 August 1992.

After repeated displacements the people now have come back to their native place. In order to respond to their needs it was re-opened this year on 2 February 2009. Sisters are engaged in teaching, Pre-school Education and pastoral work and family visits. They are 4 in number. As we remember the long history we are filled with gratitude to God for the strength and protection and guidance which we experience during good and bad times and the wonders that He had worked.

We congratulate the community of Bradford (Britain/Ireland) who celebrates the Silver Jubilee on 3 January.
THE BRADFOR COMMUNITY 
 

We congratulate the community ofBradford (Britain/Ireland) who celebrates the Silver Jubilee on 3 January.
 
 
Taken from Archives of Province

January 3rd 1985 the Community of four Sisters came to 3 Grasleigh Way to set up a community there. The Sisters had a day of Recollection with Mary and Dolores Murphey took over the kitchen for the day.

In the evening Fr. Kenny arrived to bless the house and celebrate Mass, Mary had taken us through some of the things we might practise in order to build good community living and Dolores had got the makings of a ‘super’ banquet together.

The next big event was the arrival of Monsignor canon john Murphy V.G.  He had been sent by the Bishop to officially “erect” our Chapel.

The first four sisters wereCarmel Bateson, Brenda Waters, Eileen Coyne, Josephine Kemp.

We would like to share with you an event that we have taken from the ‘Voice’, which is a bulletin of Britain/Ireland. We express our joy to the sisters who inserted themselves among the Asylum Seekers and Refugees inBradford.

Singing in a tent!!

Refugee Week 15th  – 20th June was being celebrated in a Big way here inBradford! At the weekend the MELA was held inPeelPark. This is an annual Asian Festival where various singers and dancers perform, Asian food is sold, and a Big Fun Fare is set up.

In addition to these, other tents e.g. for the Environment, and Bradford City of Sanctuary, were set up. Maria Crowley, Celine Nannayakara and Teresa helped out in these tents. The Bradford City of Sanctuary Tent was for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. This tent was very colourful and very lively because of the music and dancing from many different countries.

Teresa sang some Sesotho songs and invited others from different countries to join in her impromptu band, using tambourines and drums!!

Monday,15th June, was the official launch held atBradford Action for Refugees Centre where Celine helps out. As well as the lively entertainment there were talks from the Lord Mayor and a CAP (Church Action on Poverty) Representative, as well as some personal stories and poems.

Awards were presented to some refugees who had overcome adversity, become Volunteers and had made a great contribution to the local community.

The MOTTO for Refugee week was: –

“DIFFERENT PASTS, SHARED FUTURES”

TheBradfordCommunity

Ten years have passed since that celebrated and feared turn of the century: the year 2000, which many thought would bring disaster, and many more hoped would herald in a new era of peace and communion in our troubled world.

 IF YOU WANT TO CULTIVATE PEACE, PROTECT CREATION

Ten years have passed since that celebrated and feared turn of the century: the year 2000, which many thought would bring disaster, and many more hoped would herald in a new era of peace and communion in our troubled world. The intervening years have been years of suffering and uncertainty, but also of a growing realisation of the wonder of the cosmos, and the threat to the future of our beautiful blue planet. More and more voices are being heard – including our own – extolling the beauty, revelling in our interconnectedness with all of creation, and calling for an end to its wanton destruction. In his message for the World Day of Peace, (Jan 1), Pope Benedict once more adds his voice and the voice of the Church. Here we can only share some extracts: 

“…It is imperative that mankind renew and strengthen “that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying” …Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with such realities as climate change, desertification, the deterioration and loss of productivity in vast agricultural areas, the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase of natural catastrophes and the deforestation of equatorial and tropical regions? Can we disregard the growing phenomenon of “environmental refugees”, people who are forced by the degradation of their natural habitat to forsake it – and often their possessions as well – in order to face the dangers and uncertainties of forced displacement? Can we remain impassive in the face of actual and potential conflicts involving access to natural resources? All these are issues with a profound impact on the exercise of human rights, such as the right to life, food, health and development.

Humanity needs a profound cultural renewal; it needs to rediscover those values which can serve as the solid basis for building a brighter future for all. Our present crises – be they economic, food-related, environmental or social – are ultimately also moral crises, and all of them are interrelated. They require us to rethink the path which we are travelling together. Specifically, they call for a lifestyle marked by sobriety and solidarity, with new rules and forms of engagement, one which focuses confidently and courageously on strategies that actually work, while decisively rejecting those that have failed. Only in this way can the current crisis become an opportunity for discernment and new strategic planning.

 Economic activity needs to consider the fact that “every economic decision has a moral consequence”

A greater sense of intergenerational solidarity is urgently needed. Future generations cannot be saddled with the cost of our use of common environmental resources.

The ecological crisis shows the urgency of a solidarity which embraces time and space. It is important to acknowledge that among the causes of the present ecological crisis is the historical responsibility of the industrialized countries. Yet the less developed countries, and emerging countries in particular, are not exempt from their own responsibilities with regard to creation.

It is becoming more and more evident that the issue of environmental degradation challenges us to examine our life-style and the prevailing models of consumption and production, which are often unsustainable from a social, environmental and even economic point of view. We can no longer do without a real change of outlook which will result in new life-styles, “in which the quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others for the sake of common growth are the factors which determine consumer choices, savings and investments”. Education for peace must increasingly begin with far-reaching decisions on the part of individuals, families, communities and states. We are all responsible for the protection and care of the environment. This responsibility knows no boundaries.

 The Church has a responsibility towards creation, and she considers it her duty to exercise that responsibility in public life, in order to protect earth, water and air as gifts of God the Creator meant for everyone, and above all to save mankind from the danger of self-destruction.

If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation. The quest for peace by people of good will surely become easier if all acknowledge the indivisible relationship between God, human beings and the whole of creation. In the light of divine Revelation and in fidelity to the Church’s Tradition, Christians have their own contribution to make. They contemplate the cosmos and its marvels in light of the creative work of the Father and the redemptive work of Christ, who by his death and resurrection has reconciled with God “all things, whether on earth or in heaven” (Col 1:20). Christ, crucified and risen, has bestowed his Spirit of holiness upon mankind, to guide the course of history in anticipation of that day when, with the glorious return of the Saviour, there will be “new heavens and a new earth”.

To access the whole message, copy and paste this link to your internet address bar:  http://www.vatican.va

Today, in Congo…

 
 
Today, when we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, with joy, we unite ourselves thanking God’s goodness to the sisters of the Delegation of Congo as Sister Georgine celebrates her Silver Jubilee.  Georgina is the first Congolese sister who celebrate her silver jubilee.

We also congratulate Sisters Marie-Claire KABANGA Claudine GAYONGO, Eugénie KAYIBO and Lydie MAINZA  who commit themselves totally to God by their final Profession today in Congo – Idiofa.  May Jesus, Mary and Joseph be their model and inspiration in their daily lives!

The Pilgrimage of the Holy Family, composed by our Founder in 1838, invites us to reflect on the significant events in the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

 PRAYING THE PILGRIMAGE OF THE HOLY FAMILY

The Pilgrimage of the Holy Family, composed by our Founder in 1838, invites us to reflect on the significant events in the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  Praying the different stations of the pilgrimage can help us become more imbued with the spirit of the Holy Family, the spirit of God Alone.

The members of the Holy Family Inter-vocational Spirituality Team of theProvince ofBritain and Ireland have been reflecting on the pilgrimage and offer this presentation of the third station, the Birth of Jesus which we hope may be of use in your individual or group prayer over the Christmas season.

 For more reflection:

THIRD STATION OF THE PILGRIMAGE OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Today, 20th of December is a joyful day for the Sisters in the new leadership Team of European Network of France, Italy and Belgium. The Sisters in the Generalate are happy to accord them a sisterly welcome and to participate in the celebration of their installation.

New leadership Team of European Network

Today, 20th of December is a joyful day for the Sisters in the new leadership Team of European Network of France, Italy and Belgium. The Sisters in the Generalate are happy to accord them a sisterly welcome and to participate in the celebration of their installation.  We rejoice in the warm atmosphere experienced in their presence, a testimony to the richness of the family of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles.

On behalf of our entire Family, we wish the new Leadership Team  every blessing; we assure them of our love and prayer for the new step they are taking. May the Spirit continue to walk with them and their Sisters throughout their journey. Go forward! Our Founder reminds us that there is nothing that can hinder them when they rely on God, and give cheerfully of themselves.

Congratulations!
Andrée GASPARD
Marie BEAUDUCEL
Marie-Jeanne HIMPE
Maria PERNET
Antonietta De CARLO
Antonella ALESSANDRO
 Maristella AROKIAM
Thérèse SEGRETAIN
“We trust in God who is source of all that is, visible and invisible; the moving energy in all, holding all things in being and bringing all to fulfilment.” (Vowed for mission 2.4)
 

A mass activity in observance of the Global Day of Action (GDA) on Climate Change took place on 12 December 2009,in Quezon City Philippines organized by the Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA) Pilipinas

 Copenhagen – activities in Philippines
A  mass activity in observance of the Global Day of Action (GDA) on Climate Change took place on 12 December 2009,in Quezon City Philippines organized by the  Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA) Pilipinas as part of worldwide activities directed at the United Nations Climate Change Summit, in Copenhagen.

The group was aiming to gather 500 individuals wearing RED (shirts,headgear, etc.)  to join the group in forming a drum-line to unfurl banners with their call to action. Afterwards, they planned to sound the alarm through a noise barrage of drums, whistles, bells, clackers, and the like.
Our Sisters were represented, according to this extract from an email:   “Tomorrow Catherine (Coonghe – aged 75!) and Gresa (Soosaithasan) are participating in a Rally to create awareness about Climate change. All have to wear something red, whatsoever it may be, and there will be noise a barrage also, for which Catherine is preparing herself!”
Read more:-  GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION: RED ALERT ON CLIMATE CHANGE!

“The beginning of a new era in the life of the planet calls for a revised way of expressing our vowed life for mission.

 “Loving, seeking and desiring only God alone in all things”

“The beginning of a new era in the life of the planet calls for a revised way of expressing our vowed life for mission.  

Responding freely in faith and love to God’s call to us to follow Jesus, we commit ourselves to a particular way of loving, living freedom and justice, in and through community. The perspective of a universe where everything is interconnected and in relationship shows that each of the vows incorporates the other two.  “Loving, seeking and desiring only God alone in all things” like Jesus, Mary and Joseph captures well this integrated approach. Seeing our vows thus integrated can foster a new way of living relationship that is in harmony with the whole of creation.” 

(Vowed for Mission Choosing Life. No: 4.1 & 4.5)

On this special day, we are united with all the Sisters of the Institute, as we renew our commitment to a radical following of Jesus, offering Him our desire to live love, freedom and justice through our life together in community.
 

We are with you dear Sisters…

Our prayers are for Srs.  Thushyanthy Selvanayagam, Shiamini Sebastiampillai, Mary Judit Arulappu, Rose Mary Mudiappan and Jessica Albert Patrick who are making their final commitment on the 18th December. Sisters, God has given you these grace-filled days to walk more closely with Him. “Go forward” with courage and strength.

 Congratulations!