Happy New Year . . . of Consecrated Life

The first Sunday of Advent always rings in the new liturgical year. However, this year it also brings the opening of the Year of Consecrated Life.  The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has published Rejoice, a letter to consecrated men and women from the teachings of Pope Francis.  The letter provides opportunity for reflection on various teachings.  For example, drawing from the Holy Father's July 2013 address to seminarians and novices, it references today's "culture of the temporary," in which it is seemingly difficult to make commitments for a lifetime.  Our question for today (in the words of Pope Francis):  "We are victims of the culture of the temporary.  I would like you to think about this:  How can I break free from this 'culture of the temporary'"?

All Good Gifts. . .

As we continue to be engaged in prayer, service and advocacy for the least of our brothers and sisters, we remember that we are instruments of God, who has bestowed "all good gifts."  Here's a clip to help us remember that "All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above . . . so thank the Lord!"  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Pope Francis at FAO Nutrition Conference

Click here to read the address that Pope Francis delivered at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) yesterday.  In his address, the Holy Father spoke of waste, excessive consumption of food and the rights of those who go hungry. 

This brief address is worth reading.  Here's an excerpt:

"If we believe in the principle of the unity of the human family, based on the common paternity of God the Creator, and in the fraternity of human beings, no form of political or economic pressure that exploits the availability of foodstuffs can be considered acceptable. Political and economic pressure: here I think of our sister and mother, Earth, our planet, and of whether we are free of political and economic pressure and able to care for her, to avoid her destruction. We have two conferences ahead of us, in Perù and France, which pose the challenge to us of caring for our planet. I remember a phrase that I heard from an elderly man many years ago: God always forgives … our misdemeanours, our abuse, God always forgives; men forgive at times; but the Earth never forgives. We must care for our sister the Earth, our Mother Earth, so that she does not respond with destruction. But, above all, no system of discrimination, de facto or de jure, linked to the capacity of access to the market of foodstuffs, must be taken as a model for international efforts that aim to eliminate hunger."

SOA/WHINSEC

The Convergence of Hope and Resistance is happening this weekend at Fort Benning.  You will recall that we shared a prayer service on the 11th of this month for this purpose (click here to see that posting).  Additionally, an Evening Prayer is available on our website (click here), should you wish to use it.  Special prayers go out to the Sisters from the SCC North American Western Region who will attend. 

JPIC News from Rome

The UISG-USG JPIC Commission in Rome invites us to visit its website, www.jpicroma.org to find "a wide range of information and resources on justice, peace and the integrity of creation as well as a forum for JPIC promoters and a calendar of Commission events.

Speaking of the calendar of events, Sister Joanne Bednar will be attending today's prayer event mentioned on the site:  The 50th anniversary of the Pact of the Catacombs and the Conclusion of Vatican II.  We are sure she will share with us about the experience. 

The Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador

In the October 15 issue of Santa Clara Magazine, Ron Hansen writes about the massacre of six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter in San Salvador on November 16, 1989.  Click here to read the article and here to go to the 25th anniversary commemoration site.

Remembering Dorothy Day

Last Saturday would have been the birthday of Dorothy Day.  Click here to view a nine-minute video meditation on Dorothy Day by James Martin, SJ or here to view a full-length (two-plus hours) documentary.  In his meditation, Father Martin quotes her autobiography, entitled "The Long Loneliness" (worth reading or re-reading): "We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community."  This is a quotation worth remembering.

Physician-Assisted Suicide in New Jersey

On Thursday, the New Jersey state assembly is scheduled to vote on a bill that would allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients. The New Jersey Alliance Against Doctor-Prescribed Suicide provides information on its website to assist us in opposing this bill.  Click here to access the site, which includes information about contacting your legislators.

Pray and Fast

Let us remember to pray and fast for peace today, the 11th of the month, as has been the tradition of the Sisters of Christian Charity for the past several years.  Click here to access a prayer for today shared by the SCC North American Western Region.

Since today is Veterans' Day, we also remember those who gave their lives that we might enjoy the freedoms we have. 

Who Cares About the Saints?

As we do each November, let's remember the "cloud of witnesses" we call the saints.  Who cares about the saints?  In this video, James Martin, SJ provides an answer.

Week of Holocaust Remembrance 2014

Click here to view the list of events that will commemorate the Week of Holocaust Remembrance (November 10-14)  at the College of St. Elizabeth (Convent Station, NJ) this year.