International JPIC Committee Meeting in Mexico City

Members of the CCVI International JPIC Committee met together for their semi-annual in person meeting in Mexico City, Mexico October 28-30, 2016.  The International JPIC Committee is chaired by Sr. Martha Ann Kirk and contains members Monica Cruz (San Antonio), Sr. Walter Maher (San Antonio), Sr. Mary Kay McKenzie (St. Louis), Sr. Covadonga Suarez (Mexico City), Sr. Maria Marquez (Monterrey, MX), Sr. Ana Luisa Prieto (Chapantongo, MX), Agustin Rios Velez (Guadalajara, MX), and Victor Mendoza (Chimbote, Peru).  Serving as ex-officio members of the Committee are Sr. Katty Huanuco (Lima, Peru – Director of JPIC Office) and Jennifer Reyes Lay (St. Louis – Assistant Director of JPIC Office), as well as Sr. Jean Durel as the GLT liaison. 

The JPIC Committee spent two full days together reflecting on the past year of JPIC work within the Congregation, particularly in light of the new JPIC Office, and planning for the coming year ahead.  In the plans for the year ahead it was agreed that the Congregation would continue its focus on human trafficking and care of creation, as well as give special emphasis to education and action around building a culture of nonviolence and just peace.  In the area of human trafficking, we are excited by new networks to combat human trafficking forming in Mexico, as well as ongoing work and collaboration through our networks in the U.S. and Peru. 

In the year ahead we will work toward implementing our corporate action for creation: ensuring that at least 50% of all materials used in meetings are environmentally friendly.  The JPIC Office will be preparing resources to assist those who plan meetings/events within the Congregation to ensure they are taking active steps to meet this goal. 

Our renewed focus on nonviolence and just peace comes out of reflection and discussion of the Nonviolence and Just Peace Conference held in Rome earlier this year.  We unite with Catholics around the world in committing ourselves to build our own skills and capacities for peace building as well as encouraging others to the same.   The JPIC Office will be sharing more information and opportunities to engage this topic throughout the coming year.  We encourage you to check out https://nonviolencejustpeace.net/ for more background information and resources. 

As always, we desire to be in communication with all members of the Congregation, ministries, and collaborators in our communities.  Please let us know your thoughts, hopes, and concerns regarding our collective work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.  We are here to serve the Congregation in living out its mission to bring the healing presence of Jesus to the world.  Thank you for your prayers, support, and trust in carrying out this holy work together!