Day of Formation and Reflection on the Themes of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

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Summary from the Drafting Commission

Before beginning the work of the Synod properly so called, the members of the Synod were invited to spend a day of formation and reflection on the themes of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). The general aim of the day was to remind the members of the Synod that JPIC is an integral part of the life and mission of all Passionists.

The specific aims were:

1. To give a general overview of JPIC
2. To highlight the connection between the Gospel, church teaching on JPIC and Passionist spirituality
3. To explain how JPIC is integral to the work of the USG/UISG
4. To encourage provincials to integrate JPIC into the life and ministry of their provinces, especially in initial and ongoing formation programmes
5. To support JPIC animation and encourage development of appropriate structures.

The day was led by Father Gearóid Francisco Ó Conaire OFM, who had worked as a missionary in El Salvador from 1984 to 1998. He later worked as co-ordinator of the Franciscan JPIC office in Rome and is now Secretary General of the JPIC office of the Union of Superiors General USG/UISG.

He gave three presentations on the following topics:

1. What is JPIC?
2. JPIC Structures in Religious Life
3. Some Aspects of Franciscan JPIC Structures (as an example of what can be done)

Father Jesús Maria Aristin, Secretary General for Solidarity and Mission (and JPIC co-ordinator for our Congregation), gave a Powerpoint presentation on JPIC in relation to the Constitutions and spirituality of our Congregation.

There were a number of opportunities for sharing of experiences and views, both in plenary session in the aula and in language groups. In the afternoon, Father Ó Conaire also explained the role of ecclesial organisations working in this field, beginning with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation, set up by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

As evangelisers, we are called to restore right relationships of justice and peace between persons and to defend creation in places where these values are absent. This implies the need to promote Kingdom spirituality, a new way of being in the world which is marked by respect for the other, for one who is different from me, and respect for creation. Where this is missing – and reference was made to many of the terrible situations of our time and dangers for the future – the Kingdom of God and the putting into practice of the Gospel are not present.

Father Ó Conaire referred to the teachings of the Church from Gaudium et Spes of the Second Vatican Council to Benedict XVI’s Caritas in Veritate. These documents teach us not to limit ourselves to offering help to the suffering and oppressed but to develop our awareness of the causes of suffering and oppression and, where possible, to intervene against these causes. This undertaking can help us to understand the importance of the presence of the Church and of religious congregations in environments where decisions are taken, such as the United Nations and FAO.

The comment was made that there can be a certain difficulty in connecting the traditional expressions of our charism with the demands of JPIC and that perhaps there have been mistakes or defects in the way that JPIC has been presented. The Superior General also noted that there is perhaps a need to study better the link between the various expressions of the demands of our charism, especially in the context of changing times and the diversity of cultures.