Laudato Si' Reading Challenge

Looking for inspiration this Laudato Si' Week from May 24-31?  This is the great opportunity to sign-up for The LAUDATO SI' Reading Challenge!  Use the link to register.

This will open up an opportunity for you to be more aware of how we are all connected and what is yours to do.  Share this good news for people to learn and take actions.  We have English and Spanish materials for this challenge.

Thanks to Laudato Si' Movement Texas to sponsor this for the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si' and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of Creation.

Email Texas@LSMChapter.org for questions or more information.

Compromiso con la Justicia, la Paz y la Integridad de la Creación: JPIC Estados Unidos

De enero a mayo de 2025, el ministerio de Justicia, Paz e Integridad de la Creación (JPIC) en los Estados Unidos participó en una serie de iniciativas colaborativas orientadas a promover los valores de la justicia ecológica, la dignidad humana y la participación integral de las comunidades. Guiadas por los principios de Laudato Si’ y en sintonía con los siete objetivos de la Plataforma de Acción Laudato Si’ (LSAP), nuestras acciones abarcaron la educación, la defensa de los derechos humanos, el testimonio público y la sostenibilidad. Trabajamos junto a redes en la fe, la educación y el compromiso cívico para responder a los llamados urgentes de la Tierra y los pobres, especialmente a aquellos más afectados por la guerra, el desplazamiento climático y la negligencia sistémica. Este informe ofrece una visión general de nuestros proyectos y eventos clave durante el primer trimestre de 2025, reflejando el compromiso de JPIC de fomentar la esperanza, la sanación y la conversión ecológica en nuestras comunidades.

El Odio como una Enfermedad Contagiosa: Colaboración con Compassionate San Antonio

En febrero, JPIC junto a Compassionate San Antonio organizó una serie de eventos El Odio como una Enfermedad Contagiosa (del 17 al 19 de febrero). Los eventos fue una unvitación a explorar el odio a través de la lente de la patología, analizando cómo se manifiesta y se propaga de manera similar a una enfermedad, tomando como referencia analogías del diagnóstico médico. Además de los diálogos comunitarios, la iniciativa apoyó oportunidades educativas para mujeres del Medio Oriente a través de un fondo de becas para estudios universitarios. Un elemento central del evento fue la reflexión comunitaria sobre I Shall Not Hate, un libro de memorias del Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, cuyo activismo por la justicia y la paz surgió a pesar de la trágica pérdida de sus tres hijas en el conflicto Israel-Gaza de 2009. El tema “No Odio” sirvió como un llamado a la compasión radical y a amar al prójimo, alineándose con el énfasis de la Plataforma de Acción Laudato Si’ (LSAP) en la dignidad humana, la igualdad y la solidaridad con los migrantes y refugiados afectados por la guerra y el desplazamiento climático.

Colaboración en Arte Digital: Voces Juveniles sobre la Naturaleza

En enero, JPIC colaboró con los estudiantes de Salud Pública de la Universidad del Verbo Encarnado (UIW) para digitalizar obras de arte de las escuelas Brainpower de UIW, bajo el tema “La Naturaleza”. Este libro de arte digital, titulado Puentes Artísticos: Conectando Mundos a Través de los Ojos Jóvenes, ahora está disponible junto a proyectos similares realizados por niños alrededor del mundo, fomentando la solidaridad internacional a través de la expresión creativa y la conciencia ecológica. (Ver aquí)

Solidaridad y Defensa a Través del Testimonio Público

Como parte de su compromiso con la defensa y la presencia, JPIC participó en varias iniciativas estatales y regionales durante la primera mitad de 2025, incluyendo:

• Conferencia de Texas Impact (Austin, 26 de enero)

• Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de Texas (Austin, 1 de abril)

• Marcha por el Futuro de GreenFaith (9 de marzo)

• Peregrinación Jubilar de Esperanza por la Creación con el P. John Suenram (24 de mayo)

A través de estos encuentros, JPIC mostró solidaridad con las comunidades vulnerables a la degradación ambiental, la injusticia económica y la exclusión sistémica, especialmente jóvenes, pueblos indígenas y poblaciones históricamente afectadas.

Estaciones de la Cruz Laudato Si’: Reflexiones Cuaresmales en Contexto

Durante la Cuaresma, JPIC facilitó las Estaciones de la Cruz Laudato Si’ para Hermanas y participantes laicos, invitando a la reflexión, el discernimiento ético y la acción. Las meditaciones abordaron la intersección de los desafíos sociales, económicos y ecológicos en los EE.UU., con un énfasis particular en sus manifestaciones en Texas.

Sostenibilidad en Acción: Proyectos de las Escuelas Brainpower de UIW

Las Escuelas Brainpower de UIW han avanzado en sus iniciativas de sostenibilidad, continuando el impulso del año anterior. Trabajando a través de maestros y el liderazgo estudiantil, cada escuela desarrolló e implementó proyectos de acción climática personalizados. Estos incluyen:

• Sistema de captación de agua pluvial (escuela primaria)

• Espacio de aprendizaje al aire libre (preescolar)

• Infraestructura de reciclaje (Escuela Católica San Antonio)

• Instalación de grifos de bajo flujo (Escuela Secundaria San Antonio)

• Restauración de jardines (Escuela Católica Blessed Sacrament)

Hasta mayo de 2025, cuatro de los cinco proyectos se han completado, y se espera que el último concluya a finales de este mes. Un informe completo sobre estas iniciativas está disponible aquí: Informe de Proyecto de Sostenibilidad (solo inglés).

Reflexión y Conciencia: Retiro de Inmersión en la Cuenca Permiana

A finales de marzo, JPIC colaboró con Citizens Caring for the Future (CCF), el Movimiento Laudato Si’, Hermanas Franciscanas, Hermanas de la Misericordia, Oilfield Witness y New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light para organizar un Retiro de Inmersión en la Cuenca Permiana (del 27 al 30 de marzo). El retiro ofreció un espacio para la oración, reflexión crítica y discernimiento ecológico, centrado en la experiencia vivida de la explotación ambiental en las regiones productoras de petróleo. Se está desarrollando un recurso multimedia (que incluirá reflexiones, análisis y fotografías) que se publicará a finales de mayo para sensibilizar sobre las implicaciones ecológicas y morales de las economías extractivas.

Narrativas Climáticas: Contar Historias para el Cambio

En colaboración con The Climate Reality Project (San Antonio), JPIC está desarrollando actualmente un marco narrativo para documentar y compartir el trabajo de sostenibilidad de las Escuelas Brainpower de UIW. Esta historia colaborativa destacará las ceremonias de entrega de árboles del Día de la Tierra y los esfuerzos más amplios de captura de carbono, sirviendo como herramienta educativa y recurso de defensa para la Conferencia de Escuelas Brainpower de UIW programada para agosto de 2025. El objetivo es inspirar a más escuelas a participar en proyectos de sostenibilidad y demostrar que todas las comunidades pueden desempeñar un papel en la transformación ecológica.

Jardín Silencioso: Sanación a través de la Naturaleza

JPIC se ha asociado con Towne Twin, una iniciativa de vivienda para residentes de bajos recursos en San Antonio, para apoyar la creación del Jardín Silencioso. Este espacio contemplativo está diseñado para ofrecer experiencias restauradoras a través de la conexión con la naturaleza, reflejando la creencia de que la belleza ecológica es integral para la sanación humana. Se espera que el jardín se complete a mediados de 2025 y servirá como símbolo del poder transformador de la comunidad y la creación.

Mirando Hacia Adelante:

• Conferencia de Escuelas Brainpower de UIW (agosto)
  Tema: La Sostenibilidad de las Escuelas (en colaboración con Climate Reality y JPIC)

• Año 2 de Proyectos de Sostenibilidad
  Apoyo adicional para nuevos proyectos climáticos en las escuelas.

• Iniciativa de Clases de Jardinería
  Un nuevo programa para estudiantes de las Escuelas Brainpower de UIW con incentivos para fomentar la participación activa y el aprendizaje.

• Revisión de la Plataforma de Acción Laudato Si’
  Un proceso de revisión dirigido a revitalizar los compromisos de LSAP entre Hermanas, Asociadas y ministerios aliados, asegurando una continua alineación con los valores de JPIC y el llamado a la ecología integral.

  
  

Weaving Justice and Hope: JPIC Mexico Activity Report

This report covers the main actions carried out between January and April 2025 as part of our commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation (JPIC) in Mexico. The activities undertaken reflect a clear choice for compassionate accompaniment, community formation, and prophetic witness in the face of the pain and hope that define our region. This period has been marked by coordinated work across three main areas: supporting the families of the disappeared, promoting awareness and prevention of human trafficking with the help of RAHAMIN, and preparing a formation workshop on Fratelli Tutti for Sisters and Associates. All these actions have been carried out with a spirituality rooted in presence, active listening, and transformative commitment.

During the first quarter of the year, the actions focused on three fundamental areas of JPIC work:

1. Accompaniment and Advocacy for Families of the Disappeared

2. Support from RAHAMIN for Workshops on Human Trafficking Prevention

3. Planning the Fratelli Tutti Workshop for Sisters and Associates

1. Accompaniment and Advocacy in Cases of Forced Disappearance
My efforts have been primarily focused on providing close accompaniment and applying institutional pressure to support three families affected by the forced disappearance of their loved ones:

• Forensic Identification and Demand for Justice: I directly accompanied two families in their process of identifying human remains that are presumed to belong to their children, as well as in their pursuit of justice with the relevant authorities.

• Institutional Follow-up: In another case, I supported a family in engaging with authorities about the search plan for their disappeared relative.

• Presence in Public Acts of Denunciation and Prayer: I have actively participated in several symbolic actions and denunciation events, including prayer services at the Zócalo in Mexico City (in relation to the Extermination Camp in Teuchitlán, Jalisco), at Cerro del Ajusco, and in front of the Government Representation House of Jalisco.

• Participation in Searches: I collaborated in a citizen-led search at a landfill in eastern Mexico City related to a current disappearance case.

2. RAHAMIN – Prevention of Human Trafficking
Between February and March, the RAHAMIN Religious Life Network facilitator team visited the Coronación de María Parish in Guadalupe on four occasions, where I serve. These visits included:

• Community Training: Workshops were offered for catechists, children, and parents focused on raising awareness and preventing human trafficking.

• Community Dialogue Spaces: I organized community breakfasts on each visit, creating informal and fraternal spaces for exchange between the facilitator team and parish community members.

3. Planning the Fratelli Tutti Workshop
In order to offer a meaningful presentation of the Fratelli Tutti message to our Sisters and Associates, I held three planning meetings with Dr. Ana Lilia Salazar, focusing on the methodology and pedagogical approach of the workshop. I also consulted with two Sisters to enrich the proposal based on their community experiences and perspectives.

Upcoming Activities
One activity that is approaching is the National March of Families of the Disappeared, which will take place on May 10 in Mexico City as a protest against forced disappearances. This march represents a prophetic expression of solidarity with those searching for their loved ones and a strong call to authorities to act with justice.

In this first part of the year, the initiatives we have supported have reaffirmed the importance of our solidarity with communities affected by violence, indifference, and exclusion. The close accompaniment of searching families, the preventive work against human trafficking, and the collective reflection on Fratelli Tutti are concrete expressions of the evangelical call to walk with the least among us and build fraternity. Looking ahead to the next quarter, participation in the May 10 march in Mexico City will be a central act of hope, in communion with those who continue to seek justice and truth. We will continue strengthening our actions from the perspective of a committed spirituality, rooted in the concrete life of the people and the defense of human dignity.

Transforming Realities: Activities of JPIC Peru

This report provides a summary of the key actions carried out by JPIC Peru during the first quarter of 2025. The activities reflect our focus on justice, peace, and the integrity of creation, with a deep commitment to local realities and in harmony with our congregational calls. Collaboration with associate communities, as well as with ecclesial and social networks, has been vital in strengthening awareness, training, and advocacy efforts. Below, we detail the activities undertaken and outline our plans for the second quarter.

During the first quarter of the year, several actions were taken that strengthened community accompaniment, shared mission, and commitment to justice and human dignity. Key activities included:

• Coordination and listening meetings with associate communities in Chimbote and Lima, aimed at strengthening community ties, discerning local needs, and encouraging a shared missionary spirit.

• An informational day to prevent human trafficking, held in the streets of Chimbote in collaboration with Sister Sofía, a member of the Red Kawsay Peru. This event was part of the celebration of Saint Josephine Bakhita’s Day, demonstrating our commitment to defending life and freedom.

• A virtual panel, "Associates CCVI: Life Stories and Mission," held in honor of International Women's Day. Associates from various communities across the country participated, sharing their experiences, challenges, and hopes based on their daily lives of living out the congregational charism.

Plans for the Second Quarter (April - June 2025)

For the second quarter, the following activities are planned:

• An ecological and spiritual reflection day, focused on the care of the sea and marine biodiversity, to be held during the San Pedro festivities in Chimbote. This event aims to foster ecological spirituality and raise community awareness about the connection between faith and the care of creation.

• Preparatory meetings for the retreat for associates in Chimbote, scheduled for mid-July. This space will focus on community strengthening, deepening the CCVI charism, and renewing the commitment to the mission.

In these first months of the year, the CCVI associates have continued their missionary journey with enthusiasm, generosity, and openness to the challenges of their environment. The experiences lived show an increasing integration of the charism's spirituality, networking efforts, and a commitment to urgent causes such as gender justice, the fight against human trafficking, and the care of creation. With renewed hope, we look forward to the activities of the coming quarter, eager to continue strengthening the community and embodying the Gospel in daily life.

Seeds of justice, peace, and care of creation

    Sister Miriam, Dony, and Sister Marylou offer us a glimpse of how, through the JPIC ministry, we have walked alongside communities, nurturing justice, peace, and the care for our common home during the first quarter of the year, and what’s in store for the upcoming months.

    JPIC Mexico (Sister Miriam Bannon, CCVI): From January to April, we’ve been present in search efforts, public demonstrations, and calls for justice, standing alongside families of missing persons who are crying out for the truth. In the parish of the Coronation of Mary, led by Sister Luly and RAHAMIN, we’ve created spaces for education and dialogue, fostering a culture of care, dignity, and resistance against human trafficking. A community reflection on Fratelli Tutti, aimed at sisters and associates, is ready to strengthen our commitment to a transformative fraternity. In the coming days, we’ll join the march in Mexico City, walking together with the families of the disappeared in an act of memory, justice, and hope.

    JPIC Peru (Dony Avalos): During the first quarter, the communities of associates in Chimbote and Lima came together to strengthen bonds and listen to local voices, reaffirming our commitment to justice and peace. In Chimbote, we held a public awareness campaign against human trafficking in collaboration with Sister Sofía of the Red Kawsay Peru, standing in solidarity with those who suffer most. We also hosted a virtual panel titled "Associates CCVI: Life Stories and Mission," where transformative experiences around the charism and the role of women were shared. For the second quarter, we’re preparing for a community reflection on the care of the sea and its biodiversity, promoting ecological spirituality, in alignment with the San Pedro festivities in Chimbote.

    JPIC United States (Sister Marylou Rodriguez, CCVI): From January to April, JPIC focused on promoting justice, peace, and care for our common home through various collaborative initiatives. One of them, the event "Hatred as a Contagious Disease," invited us to reflect on the power of love and solidarity in the face of hatred. Our collaboration with students from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) led to a digital art book on nature and an active role in local sustainability actions, addressing the climate crisis. We supported the establishment of the Silent Garden, a space where vulnerable individuals can experience reflection immersed in the beauty of nature. We’ve also provided financial support to several integral ecology initiatives and continue accompanying projects focused on caring for our common home with the schools of the Brainpower Connection (a Catholic educational network united by values of academic excellence, service, social justice, civic engagement, and leadership rooted in faith) from UIW. We are currently collaborating with the Climate Reality Project in San Antonio to share the stories of these schools and their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. In the coming months, we are preparing for the UIW Brainpower Schools Conference and will continue supporting initiatives that respond to the cries of our planet and of our neighbors most impacted by poverty.

Sister Luly, alongside Rahamin, sharing a workshop against human trafficking in Mexico City, Mexico.

Sister Sofía participating in a public action to stop human trafficking in Chimbote, Peru.

Sister Elizabeth, along with several of our Sisters and friends from Weavers of Love, in Kingsville, Texas, United States. This ministry encompasses a community dining hall, a clinic, a senior activity center, nutritional education, a food pantry, grief counseling, free clothing, and a community garden.