December 10: Day of Prayer and Fasting for Creation

Since 2015, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have promoted a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Creation on December 10th - International Human Rights Day - because a healthy environment that can sustain life is a vital human right.  This is human right is increasingly threatened and denied as each year passes and the impacts of global climate change spread.  Our call to care for our common home is a loving response to our Creator who's love, power, beauty and majesty is woven into the fabric of all life. 

This year, our focus is on supporting the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative which is currently in its final development stages and about to be launched in select countries. Tropical rainforests in South America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are falling rapidly due to a range of forces, including palm oil plantations, cattle, soy and crop production, and rapacious and often illegal mining and logging operations. The losses amount to an area the size of Austria each year.

“The story of creation in the book of Genesis tells us of trees that are beautiful to behold and a source of sustenance. Rainforests are pivotal for life on earth, provisioning people’s needs, promoting biodiversity and protecting the climate”, said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. “Today when the rainforests are threatened by deforestation driven by a shortsighted, profit-oriented economy, we must use the knowledge of what is good and our faith-driven action to protect and care for the rainforests and therefore the earth and all life."

You can read more about the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative here: https://www.interfaithrainforest.org/

Every person, community, family, organization, or institution can participate by joining in this day of prayer and fasting for creation wherever you are.  We have created a guide to aid you in your prayer this day.

You can DOWNLOAD THE PRAYER AND FASTING GUIDE HERE.

If you participate by fasting, we encourage you to save what you normally would have spent this day on food (or whatever else you choose to fast from) and send it in to the Congregational CCVI Office at 4503 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX 78209, with a note that this is for the Day of Prayer and Fasting.  We will collect all donations and use them to support the work to care for creation, particularly our rainforests. 

Let us continue to pray that our actions and decisions can truly respond to the cries of the earth and the cries of poor who are most immediately impacted by climate change.  Together let us work and pray for the integrity of all God's wonderful creation.

Pray for peace on 23 February

We invite all to consider using this resources to mark this day and pray for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan,  as well as all areas of conflict in the world.

• A Meditation on Praying for Peace
• A Litany of Peace (PDF)

Pope Francis has called for a "special day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world" on Friday, 23 February 2018. The day of prayer is especially aimed at prayers for peace in the conflict-stricken nations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Catholics and other Christians as well as followers of other religions and people of good are invited to join in this event.

“In the face of the tragic continuation of conflicts in different parts of the world, I invite all the faithful to a special day of prayer and fasting for peace on 23 February, the Friday of the first week of Lent,” Pope Francis announced. “We will offer it especially for the populations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and of South Sudan."

“Our Heavenly Father always listens to his sons and daughters who cry to him in their pain and anguish,” the pope continued. “I make a heartfelt appeal so that we too listen to that cry and each of us, in our own conscience, ask ourselves before God, ‘What can I do for peace?’”

“Certainly,” he said, “we can pray, but not only that: Each one can concretely say NO to violence inasmuch as it depends on him or her. Because all the victories gained by violence are false victories; but to work for peace does good to us all!”

From: Pax Christi International 

Human Rights Day - 10 December

Fasting Guide

Our understanding of fasting is to abstain from something voluntarily, in this case we are primarily talking about not eating, either for the entire day or at least for one meal.  There is no right or wrong way to fast. 

Please be sure to still drink lots of fluids; and if at any time you begin to feel lightheaded or weak, you should eat something right away. 

Who should not fast?

You shouldn’t fast if you are pregnant, less than 12 years old, diabetic, or suffer from an eating disorder.

How can you participate if you can’t fast from food?

You can still fast from activities that contribute to violence in our world (thoughts, words, and actions). 

What intentions should I include in my prayer?

·       For the prevention of nuclear war and all wars.

·       For the grace to grow in virtue, that will help us to live Jesus’ model of Gospel nonviolence.

·       For the comfort and relief of those suffering from violence, especially those who have lost a loved one to violence.

·       For the Church and our Congregation that we may be a prophetic voice and witness in transforming the world to uphold the values of just peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. 

You can download that guide HERE. 

Prayer and Reflection Guide for the Fast

If you are alone and/or working, we encourage you to take some time – especially during the meal you are fasting – in silence with God reflecting on the scripture and questions below.  If possible, we encourage you to also take some time with your family or community to share about your experience and answers to the reflection questions below. 

Biblical Texts

We know that violence and war permeate our world and our lives today.

·       Psalm 120:6-7 “I have lived too long with those who hate peace.  I stand for peace, but when I talk of peace, they want war!” 

·       Psalm 140:1-2 “Deliver me YHWH from evildoers; protect me from those who are violent, who plan evil thing in their hearts, and start new wars every day.” 

We can be strengthened through prayer and practice with the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace. 

·       Isaiah 9:6-7 “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace…”

·       John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; but the kind of peace I give you is not like the world’s peace.” 

We are called as followers of Christ, and children of God, to continue this work as peacemakers in the world.

·       Matthew 5:9  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

·       Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor – but hate your enemy.’ I say to you, ‘love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.  This will prove that you are children of God.’”

·       Romans 12:18,21 “Do all you can to be at peace with everyone.  Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.” 

·       1 Corinthians 7:15 “God has called us to live in peace.” 

Inspired by a new imagination rooted in the love and peace of God, we are called as peacemakers to help realize God’s kindom here on earth as it is in heaven. 

·       Romans 12:2 “Don’t conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds, so that you can judge what God’s will is – what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” 

·       Isaiah 11:9 “They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the YHWH as the waters cover the sea.”

·       Romans 14:17 “For the Kindom of God is a matter not of eating and drinking, but of justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” 

Reflection Questions:

How can we change?

“Jesus himself lived in violent times. Yet he taught that the true battlefield, where violence and peace meet, is the human heart: for “it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come” (Mk 7:21). But Christ’s message in this regard offers a radically positive approach. He unfailingly preached God’s unconditional love, which welcomes and forgives. He taught his disciples to love their enemies (cf. Mt 5:44) and to turn the other cheek (cf. Mt 5:39)… Whoever accepts the Good News of Jesus is able to acknowledge the violence within and be healed by God’s mercy, becoming in turn an instrument of reconciliation. In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “As you announce peace with your mouth, make sure that you have greater peace in your hearts”. To be true followers of Jesus today also includes embracing his teaching about nonviolence.” (Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Peace 2017)

Personal Level 

·       What stirs in me as I participate in this day of prayer and fasting?  What thoughts or feelings arise?

·       How is my hunger today connected to those who hunger every day for peace, safety, and comfort? 

·       What do I need to change in my own heart and mind in order to cultivate peace within myself and in turn the world?

·       For what do I need to ask God’s forgiveness and for what do I need to forgive others? 

Community/ Family Level

·       What kind of world do we want to be actively creating right now and in the future? 

·       Why might the whole of creation need us to work for peace and justice? 

·       How is the call to peace and nonviolence connected with responding to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor? 

·       How can we incorporate the work for peace into our daily prayer lives? 

·       How can I continue to educate myself and take action to prevent further violence in my community and prevent the spread of wars internationally? 

Closing Prayer: (by Sr. Lyz Szymkiewicz, CSJ)

God of Great Love, we commit ourselves to living in the most sincere, true and profound humility so that we might give voice to your gospel of peace. Empower us with your grace of union and reconciliation so that we might be impelled to give our whole lives for those deprived of bread, peace and love. Allow us the courage to give voice to the cries of the poor, to the terror of those at war, to the humiliation of the many who are disenfranchised. May your healing and unifying love flow through us in such a way that it honors every neighbor on Earth, without distinction, in a manner that glorifies you as the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier of all life. Amen

Additional Prayer Resources and Educational Materials:

·       SONG: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihhvm6eLWZI

·       SONG/VIDEO: Let there Be Peace on Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPH4LRASWbo  

·       Recommended Websites:  

o   Pax Christi: https://paxchristiusa.org/

o   Catholic Nonviolence Initiative: https://nonviolencejustpeace.net

o   Pace E Bene: http://www.paceebene.org/

·       VIDEO: The Church must recommit to Gospel nonviolence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m2gfAopOmQ

·       VIDEO:  Fighting with Nonviolence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk3K_Vrve-E

Prayer Resources for Lent

As we focus as a Congregation on the issues of Human Trafficking and Care for our Common Home, we encourage you to check out these prayer resources on those topics to help guide you in your Lentan practice this year:

Come pray, study, act with us.

The Lenten Reflection Guide from the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns contains reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week’s Gospel reading and the teachings of Pope Francis in his latest encyclical, Laudato Si’.

Click here to download the Maryknoll OGC Lenten Reflection Guide.

Lent offers us all a special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism.  Use this 16-page guide individually or in small groups to reflect upon our life patterns, to pray more deeply, and renew our spirits to face the realities of our world.

Lentan Fast for Climate Justice

For Lent 2016 (starting on February 10th) we are organizing another global Lenten Fast for Climate Justice (as we did in 2015). Catholics from around the globe will fast during each of Lent’s 40 days, joining the interfaith Fast For The Climate and the Green Anglicans’ Carbon Fast. We will fast and pray for bold action to solve the climate change crisis. Our fast coincides beautifully with the Pope’s February prayer intention to care for creation (see video).

During each day of Lent, Catholics from a different country will fast for climate justice. GCCM will highlight the impacts of climate change on that country through social media and other communications. 

Don’t see your country? Let us know here.

Following Pope Francis’ invitation above, this Lent let’s commit to overcoming our indifference to the climate change crisis and its victims. Let’s pray and fast for the renewal of our relationship with creation and with our brothers and sisters in poverty who are already suffering the impacts of climate change.

- See more at: http://catholicclimatemovement.global/lenten-fast/#sthash.nRGwxYJM.dpuf 

Unanima: Lentan Prayer Resources on Human Trafficking

Out of a reported 4 million people who are trafficked annually both within and outside their country, 80% are women and girls and 50% are children. Over 90% of trafficked persons are sexually exploited. As part of UNANIMA’s work on the NGO Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons and the NGO Working Group on Girls, we pursue the recognition and protection of the rights of these women and children. We also have an ongoing international campaign to STOP THE DEMAND for Trafficking in Women and Children.

Lent Prayers on the Theme of Human Trafficking: Week 1 (DOC)
Lent Prayers on the Theme of Human Trafficking: Week 2 (DOC)
Lent Prayers on the Theme of Human Trafficking: Week 3 (DOC)
Lent Prayers on the Theme of Human Trafficking: Week 4 (DOC)
Lent Prayers on the Theme of Human Trafficking: Week 5 (DOC)
Lent Prayers on the Theme of Human Trafficking: Week 6 (DOC)

Way of the Cross - Human Trafficking Story

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe December 10 of each year as Human Rights Day.

This year's Human Rights Day is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign for the 50thanniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 December 1966.

The two Covenants, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, form the International Bill of Human Rights, setting out the civil, political, cultural, economic, and social rights that are the birth right of all human beings.

"Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always." aims to promote and raise awareness of the two Covenants on their 50th anniversary. The year-long campaign revolves around the theme of rights and freedoms -- freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear -- which underpin the International Bill of Human Rights are as relevant today as they were when the Covenants were adopted 50 years ago. For more this year's theme and the year-long campaign, see the website of the UN Human Rights office.

The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word are taking action today too through a Day of Prayer and Fasting sponsored by our Congregational JPIC Office.  We will be fasting for the care of creation, because climate change is one of the greatest modern threats to human rights around the world.  All are welcome to join in this day of prayer and fasting.  

You can use our resource guide here if you wish to participate:  http://bit.do/byGds  

Also check out this video by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN Commissioner for Human Rights, who explains how climate change is a threat to human rights: https://www.ted.com/talks/mary_robinson_why_climate_change_is_a_threat_to_human_rights

December 10th Day of Prayer and Fasting for Creation

The Congregational Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Office for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word is sponsoring a Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Care of Creation​ throughout the Congregation this coming THURSDAY December 10, 2015 for International Human Rights Day.  One of the greatest threats to human rights world wide is climate change.  

You can join in from wherever you are, and be part of this action to care for our common home.  We have prepared a guide with resources to assist in your prayer, fast, and reflection.  You can find that Guide for the Day of Prayer and Fasting here:    http://bit.do/byGds 

You can also find this Guide in the area of Downloads / Resources in our Intranet: https://goo.gl/9bsXcb 

We invite you to encourage participation in your family, community, group, organization, and institutions.   You can join in the conversation through social media by sharing why you are participating in the day of prayer and fasting with the hashtag #FastForTheClimate.  

Blessings to each one of you, and let us continue to pray that the resolutions and agreements being negotiated currently in the COP21 meetings can respond in a profound way to the cry of the millions of people vulnerable to climate change and protect the integrity of God's marvelous creation.