The General Minister together with the General Definitory recently appointed a new member of its Animation Committee. Br. Angelito Andig Cortez, OFM. He belongs to the Province of San Pedro Bautista in the Philippines. Having made the solemn profession in 2015, he has been deeply involved in the various JPIC ministries leading many international as well as regional campaigns.
Various activities have been carried out this year around the world, praying and reflecting, to raise awareness on this problem that mainly affects women, boys and girls. The motto chosen for 2019 is “Together Against Human Trafficking,”
Recently, the General Definitory approved Br. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM from the Holy Name Province (USA) as a new member of the Animation Committee of the JPIC General Office. Born in Poland, Br. Jacek has been ministering for the past 16 years in multicultural parishes with many immigrants predominantly from Latin America and Africa. Currently, brother Jacek manages the Parish Community Organizing and Advocacy efforts of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. Over the years, he has been a passionate preacher, teacher, and advocate for justice, peace, and care for our Common Home.
The IDPHT was first celebrated on the 8th. February 2015 at the desire of Pope Francis, who in 2014, requested the International Union of Superiors and of Superiors General (UISG / USG) to promote this day. The Secretary of State, responding to requests made by religious, who had been working for years to combat trafficking, gave approval to organizations that for years have celebrated Anti-Trafficking Day on this date.
The day started with presentations that explain the adverse effects of the world’s consumeristic ways and dependence on an unsustainable economic system.
During the retreat, the volunteers were asked when was the last time we encountered God through nature. When have we stopped to deliberately be in silence? When was the last time we reflected on the impact of human activity to a tranquil nature?
Laudato si’ will be celebrated in three zones: Parque Omar, Colegio Internacional Maria Inmaculada and various Youth Festival stages. Through these exhibitions, pilgrims will be encouraged to commit to living Laudato si’ and start conversations on ecological conversion to recognise God in creation in their own countries.
For several years, the local people have been engaged in a process of training, information, and awareness about the effects of mining, and so on March 4th, 2012, they began a blockade of the entrance gate to the mine. They settled in 24 hour shifts in groups to guard, block the entrance, and not allow the mine to be operated, which to them is illegal and lethal.
The title of the course, “The Care of the Environment in the Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue” will be carried out in Italian with the simultaneous translation to Spanish and English. The general theme of the course will be the concept of “beauty” in the aesthetics of St. Bonaventure and the Spirit of Assisi for the Interreligious Dialogue. The course is scheduled from February 18 to 27 at Antonianum, Rome.