By now you have all seen the terrible images and heart-wrenching stories coming out of Ukraine. Join us in praying for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, to end this senseless violence, for the well-being of the Ukrainian people, for the protection of those in harm's way, and for a path forward that ultimately delivers peace to the region.
We stand in solidarity with our brothers in religious life in Ukraine and those here in the US connected to the region. Their ministry is important now, more than ever.
“Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests,” he stressed. Pope Francis appealed to those “with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war, who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.”
The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has also released a statement expressing closeness to all people experiencing war and conflict. Please take a moment to read and share with your communities.
"Let us not tire of praying. And with the same passion let us make gestures of peace wherever we are, together with every man and woman of good will; let us allow ourselves to be converted by the Holy Spirit to works of peace so that our lives may speak and be, in meekness and truth, a witness to mercy of which the Father grants us the gift."
Let us always pray and strive for peace in our world.
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The CMSM team is seeking a part-time Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation coordinator. The job description can be found here. Please share with men in your community who might be interested in joining the team.
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Laudato Si' Action Platform |
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As we prepare for the season of Lent, we recognize that it is an excellent opportunity for us to incorporate the spirit of Laudato Si' into our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We can pray for an ecological conversion, make changes in our daily lives through fasting from using earth-harming products, and support the causes that are committed to caring for our common home.
The Laudato Si' Action Platform team has been working to move forward many initiatives. We invite you to participate in their work through the following updates:
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Please share your events and resources with the LSAP Team! The team welcomes the opportunity to feature your initiatives on the website and in blog posts, social media posts, and emails over the coming months. A form to share your events is here while a form to share your resources is here.
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A new Tool Kit has been prepared by the LSAP Team to assist in your reflection, planning, and deepening of your commitment through this seven year journey of transformation. You can find that kit by clicking here: Laudato Si' Action Platform Tool Kit.
Lent is a good time to recommit ourselves to taking steps towards not only making active change, but to also involve yourselves in the work that is happening at the regional, national, and international level. Please let us know if there are any other ways we can support you in this important work.
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Root Causes Strategy in Central America
The Root Causes Initiative, a coalition of grassroots and faith-based organizations in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexica, and the United States, has released a report on the Biden administration’s efforts to address the root causes of migration. Published by the Hope Border Institute, this report evaluates the administration’s strategies and provides critical recommendations in four key areas in order to effectively address the major drivers of forced migration in the region: advancing the rule of law; localizing effective aid; promoting broad based economic inclusion; and promoting humane immigration policies, including legal pathways to migrate and the restoration of asylum at the United States/Mexico border.
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Make a visit on the Rivers of Hope Virtual Pilgrimage
Hear from those ministering with people impacted by some of society’s most difficult situations. Presenters will share how they find hope and strength. Opportunities will be provided for prayer and small group conversations. All sessions run for 75 minutes or so, begin at 6PM CT (4PM PT, 5PM MT, 7PM ET), and are bilingual Spanish/English:
January 11 – Mississippi – Climate Change
February 8 – Missouri – Human Trafficking
March 21 – Hudson – Economy, Education, and Racism
Register here for the link to the remaining session. CMSM is collaborating on Rivers of Hope with the Asociación de Hermanas Latinas Misioneras en América (AHLMA), the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC), and the Religious Brothers Conference (RBC).
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Vatican launches #IamChurch campaign to affirm presence of persons with disabilities
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has launched the #IamChurch campaign in which people with disabilities share their faith experiences. The videos posted online include the story of Fr. Justin Glyn, SJ, a blind priest and canonist.
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