Andre Claessens MSC, Peace, Justice, Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Andre, whom we welcomed at last year’s Provincial Chapter, was a promoter of Justice and Peace for the Laity of the Chevalier Family.
He made this statement as he completed his term as MSC First Counsellor.
On First Fridays, we usually publish the JPIC poster. It arrived late this month so we take th opportunity to post it today – and in the JPIC context.
Apart from their territorial responsibilities, each team member has a specific portfolio. For me, JPIC has been a passion for a long time. Since the 2017 chapter, we have tried to make progress in this area as a “Chevalier Family”. Of course, each entity chooses its actions according to the priorities dictated by the situation on the ground. But since 2015, Pope Francis has invited humanity, in his encyclical Laudato Si, to combat climate change and take greater care of our common home, the earth.
We have promoted this through the action/prayer on the first Friday of the month, which has always been dear to our congregations. We are not alone; what we do together, we do better! We are also committed to the 7-year plan developed by the World Movement Laudato Si.
Entities that have yet to become involved are invited not to stand by and watch. The Pope says that action is urgently needed, and everyone must get involved. It’s not just ecological conversion and climate change that need to be tackled, but other injustices and violations of human rights are also on the spot. It is justice that creates lasting peace!
Despite COVID, these six years at the Generalate and in the world were a great challenge and a considerable personal enrichment. Not all projects came to fruition. I have seen the vitality of our Congregation, especially in the southern hemisphere. Organising North-South solidarity and invol- ving more confreres in the Commitment for a Better World (JPIC) is challenging for our mission under the aegis of the Spirit and the new General Administration.
I remain convinced that the promotion of international collaboration and the formation of intercultural communities is the emerging future that will enable our mission to progress “ubique terrarum”. Our world is changing at a dizzying pace, with a widening gap between the rich countries and with a widening gap between the rich countries and the countries of the South that are suffering most from climate change. The challenges and responsibilities for our communities are enormous if we are to fulfil our prophetic vocation in a synodal Church. Avanti!
André Claessens, msc
