Displaying items by tag: Chevalier Family Justice and Peace

Chevalier Family Justice Mission, Laudato Si – First Friday

The monthly poster, intention, prayer and action.

The Chevalier Family, First Friday theme

And an inspiration

The Chevalier Family Australia supports NAIDOC week

– we have a history with the people of the Northern Territory and the Torres Strait Islands for over a hundred years, MSC Brothers and Priests, OLSH Sisters, Lay Missionaries.

Our main current connection is Wadeye.

Memory of Deacon Boniface. Leo Wearden, current PP.

Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Within the Church, we also observe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday (July 7).

This day provides an opportunity for Catholic communities to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It encourages congregations to reflect on the contributions and resilience of Indigenous communities and to pray for their well-being and advancement. This observance underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives and voices within the fabric of the Church’s life and mission.

Port Keats early days of the mission

The importance of reconciliation in Australia is profound, aiming to repair and strengthen the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Reconciliation involves acknowledging past injustices, addressing current inequalities, and fostering mutual respect and understanding. It is essential for creating a cohesive society where the rights, cultures, and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognized and valued. Efforts toward reconciliation are not only about addressing historical wrongs but also about ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous Australians in all aspects of life.

OLSH Thamarrurr Colege, Wadeye

For the Catholic Church in Australia, reconciliation is deeply tied to its mission of social justice and inclusivity. The 2023-2024 Social Justice Statement “Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples” outlined the significant part the Church has to play in the reconciliation process through advocating for the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This includes supporting initiatives that promote healing, cultural preservation, and empowerment. By embracing reconciliation, the Church can contribute to a more just and compassionate society, aligning its actions with the principles of love, respect, and solidarity that are central to its teachings.

The Chevalier Family First Friday Program, 2024, July

The poster for July

And a supplementary good thought and challenge

Chevalier Family, Justice and Peace, First Friday, September, the month of our General Chapter

“Commitment to JPIC should become a way of life for all MSC. As much as possible we’ll collaborate with Networks committed to these issues. Everyone should educate himself so as to be able to analyse and engage critically with social questions and to become involved” (Acts MSC General Chapter 2017, Recommendations n. 26-27)

A letter from Andre Claessens MSC, General Councillor

Dear JPIC promotor in the Chevalier Family,

Indeed, not only our MSC General Chapter is coming up, the yearly Season of Creation as well. Every year we are used to send you some materials you can use locally with the necessary adaptations in the period Sep. 1 – Oct 4^th. We hope you’ll participate also this year and in the coming days invite the members of the Chevalier Family to take part in the event.

Probably some materials are provided in your own language area, if not the site of the Laudato Si Movement below presents a wealth of resources for implementing LS in our communities.

All over last year I have promoted the movie THE LETTER. At the World Youth Days in Lisbon thousands of young people have been touched by this challenging document launched last year by the Dicastery of Integral Human Development. It remains a powerful movie to raise awareness about climate change. In many places in the world we are experiencing these months extreme climate situations which could increase our sense of urgency !  The Season of Creation is once more a good opportunity to watch together this video.

Don’t forget all entities of the Chevalier Family are invited to join the 7 years Laudato Si Platform by adapting to the local circumstances and possibilities the DECLARATION we published earlier in several languages on our www.ametur.msc.org and in English on  www.laudatosiactionplatform.org joining the international movement for ecological conversion. It is not too late to become part of it because what we do together, we do better !

Thanks for your collaboration during these last six years.

Andre Claessens MSC - Rome