By: Margaret Magee OSF

Jamaica - Land We Love 

By: Lorraine Chen OSF, shared during the Allegany Assembly, Sunday, April 8, 2018

   The sun is shining brightly. The Caribbean Sea reflects the royal blue from the sky above. The laughter of children and their families can be heard, with music - whether calypso or reggae - in the background. When engaged in conversation with any of these persons, one would get the impression that as the song says, "Life is just for living." The everyday obstacles of living are viewed through the eyes of faith and an acceptance that everything will be alright because God is the Divine Provider and Judge. Most persons who have been to Jamaica a long time ago would share this portrayal of the mindset of the Jamaican people.

   However, a dark cloud has covered the land. The following excerpt is taken from the editorial page of the Jamaica Observer dated February 25, 2018. "When Jamaica gained independence in 1962, the murder rate was 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in the world. Last year's murder toll of more than 1,600 - or about 60 per 100,000 - was one of the highest rate in the world. The current murder rate has already surpassed the rate at this same time last year."

   The Jamaican workers have been relegated to contract employment and have, as a result, lost their pension rights, maternity rights, and other benefits. There is unrest among the teachers, nurses, police and other civil servants as their collective bargaining rights have been compromised. Corruption and mismanagement have led to a $600 million debushing and gully-cleaning program, the results of which are yet to be seen. The amount of $243 million dollars was used to purchase used cars for the police. The bulk of the cars are yet to be delivered. Recently $190 million was spent on new high-end cars for the Prime Minister and some of the Members of his Cabinet.

   The rate of inflation continues to spiral and, consequently, most people live a hand-to-mouth existence. More than 700,000 people or 25 percent of the country's population, are squatters. Is there a correlation between poverty and the high murder rate? Two parishes (or geographic areas) are presently under a state of emergency. However, it seems like the gangs are always one step ahead of the police and the military. When the security forces are in these areas, other areas become very volatile.

   A former minister of government said that Divine Intervention is needed to solve Jamaica's crime problem. Indeed, Jamaica needs to once more realize that God is the Divine Master. The government, the private sector, and the church must realize its obligation and responsibility to the marginalized and downtrodden of the society. Radical transformation and intervention are needed in the areas of economics, education, socialization, health, agriculture, housing, and spirituality. The Jamaican people need to develop a sense of their own self-worth and dignity.

   If you throw a stone in a calm body of water, it will cause a rippling effect and create waves that will move far beyond the point of origin. As Allegany Franciscans Sisters in Jamaica, we can be compared to that stone. We will never know how far the effects will be, but, through our faith, our hope, and our love, we know that love conquers all. As we continue to live our life and mission of evangelization, we are strengthened by the reality that the Sisters at the Motherhouse and other houses of intercession are in solidarity with us as they pray daily for Jamaica so that the cloud of darkness will be lifted and the sun will shine once again.

Tri-CRI Joins with Investors for Opioid Accountability 

By: Gloria Oehl OSF

   The follow are highlights from the Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment (Tri-CRI) on Opioid Overdosing: what drug companies and distributors can do.

   ICCR members (of which Tri-CRI is a member and FSA as part of the coalition) joined with a new coalition, Investors for Opioid Accountability, to engage with drug companies and distributors to make sure the they are:

Renodin Foundation Awards Spring 2018 Grants 

By: Connie Cooper, Communications Coordinator, St. Elizabeth Mission Society

  Each year, the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, provides grants for programs and projects whose public charitable purposes are carried out in a manner consistent with the tradition of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Requests for monies must show a connection to the mission of the Foundation, assist the needy, the underprivileged, the elderly, the developmentally disabled, the handicapped, or the economically disadvantaged. Awarded projects also showed sustainability to live on long after the award period is over.

   The Foundation board of directors met recently to review grant applications for the spring 2018 cycle. Dominic Rogers, board chair, is proud to announce that 14 grants were approved and awarded totaling $30,982. Read about the grants awarded here.