Dear Friends, Greetings! I am sending you a special message with an urgent request for prayers for the people of South Sudan. As you may know, the government and opposition, who have been fighting since the end of 2013, have been engaged in implementing a peace agreement which is to result in a Transitional Government of National Unity to be installed on November 12th.
By the end of the annual retreat from October 11 - 16, Sr. Helen Scarry, RJM had challenged her dozen or so retreatants at Marillac Residence to search deeply for that “….longing in their hearts,” – the theme of the Retreat.
Sr. Eileen Reid and I were happy that we were able to take part in this special liturgy – and particularly happy at the ease with which we found a parking space in downtown Washington, the site of St. Matthew’s Cathedral. (Thank you, Claudine!)
Who knows where the time goes? It’s hard to believe that we are now on our second break day and have been engaged in the Chapter now for 12 days. The name tags, the initial introductions of persons, places, and schedules are well behind us and we stand poised and ready for a deeper plunge into the realities of our world and a consideration of actions.
YOUTH STRIKE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE : On September 20, 2019, young people will kick off a worldwide week of action with an international strike. September 20th will be the largest mass mobilization for climate action in human history. This time, adults will be joining the youth-led call for climate action to demand world leaders take meaningful steps to address this crisis with the urgency it requires.
On September 4th, I shared in a hope-filled experience with over 400 people in a Catholic Non-Violent Action for Immigrant Children in Newark, New Jersey.
The call throughout the event was to end the abuse, trauma, and detention of migrant children and was echoed in prayer, ritual, and a call to action by Catholic leaders. Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, accompanied the group through the whole experience from St. Mary’s Church, through the streets of Newark, to the Federal ICE office.
JUSTICE, PEACE, INTEGRITY OF CREATION… Please see the Bridges attachment with a reflection and prayer for the Season of Creation.
LOOKING AHEAD... The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), on 29 September 2019, will soon be here. On this occasion, Pope Francis will celebrate a Mass in Rome, and asks us to join him with the slogan “It is not just about migrants”. This theme has been developed into the sub-theme “it is about the whole person and all people”.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MIDDIA DOUTE, RJM
On August 10th, Middia Doute made her temporary vows (left), as a Religious of Jesus and Mary, in Canape Vert, Haiti. On the right, she is presented with the Constitutions of the Congregation by Sr. Marge Perron, RJM, Provincial. You may have already received Sr. Marge’s letter detailing the ceremony, but to make sure, a copy is attached to the email accompanying Bridges. Also attached are beautiful photos of the ceremony that you‘ll certainly want to see!
An Interesting Connection: "He said the Saints he visited at St. Malachy’s Church were the regulars plus BLESSED DINA! What did I hear? As far as I am concerned, there is only one Blessed Dina..."
CAMP CLAUDINE 2019 - Fon Ibo, Haiti
This photo shows most of the 320 campers who are attending Camp Claudine right now, at the Jesus-Mary School in Fon Ibo. The camp banner (and tee shirts) read...
"Let us support children with love - Camp Claudine 2019".
