Bridges

A Call to Spiritual Bonding by Elise D. García, OP - LCWR President-Elect: As I write this column, the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is rocking our nation and the world. Social distancing is the catchword. We leaders of religious institutes, along with leaders of governments, schools, parishes, businesses, civic organizations, industries, and nonprofits, are challenged with making daily, if not hourly, determinations about the breadth of its application as a proactive form of quarantine.

This month, Women’s History Month, WSG is celebrating its three Founding Spirits: Claudine Thevenet, Cornelia Connelly, (Founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus) and Mary McLeod Bethune (Founder of The National Council of Negro Women).

How can we reduce our dependence on polluting fossil fuels for energy, lower our electricity costs, and address the climate crisis in a communal, meaningful way? One alternative gaining national and Catholic interest is the use of solar power.

This week Srs. Natalia Mejia and Rosie Nicholson were joined by Cathy Minihan (left) Pat Clausen (middle) and Cheryl Nichols (right), who came to experience the lives of the asylum seekers in the San Diego border area.  They received a warm welcome from the workers at the shelter, participated in art activities with us and met migrant families with new born babies.  This week several migrants were in quarantine due to the flu.

Two different Lenten reflection guides that you may wish to use this Lenten season, are attached to the email accompanying Bridges.

Our recently concluded General Chapter issued a strong statement, calling us to “work … for justice, … going “beyond our boundaries,” …. “ responding to realities where life is crying out.”  (JM Preferences, GC 37). 

FEAST OF ST. CLAUDINE - Gros Morne, Haiti

Monday, February 3^rd we had a double feast day celebration - for St. Claudine, Foundress of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, and for the 31^st anniversary of Jesus-Mary Parish School.  There are more lovely photos on the RJM-Haiti Facebook page. 

The statistics of human trafficking are hard to believe.  According to the USSD 2019 TIP (Trafficking in Persons Report), there are an estimated 40.3 million people in modern slavery, including those in forced labor and marriage, generating up to $150 billion in profit for traffickers.

The province JPIC committee held its first meeting of 2020 on January 16^th.  With just a few glitches and blips, everyone successfully ZOOMED into our respective computer screens for what was an informative and energizing exchange.  Here are a few highlights from the meeting.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES - Jean Rabel, Haiti: A big thank you to Sr. Middia Doute, RJM who was a great presence of encouragement and practicality in her visits to the pastoral timoun piti groups.