NEW YORK — A prayer and reflection resource for Advent called “Peace Made Flesh” is being launched this month by the Province’s Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Office (JPIC). Focusing on the coming of the Prince of Peace for the world, the resource is one of many Justice and Peace programs offered by the Province.
The JPIC Office developed the Advent program with the Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service. Details are available on the Justice and Peace page of the Province’s Web site.
Advent Program Offers Reflections for the New Year
“Advent is a time when we are invited to consider what the coming of the Prince of Peace means for our world,” said Russell Testa, the Province’s JPIC animator. “Today’s world is ravaged by war, ethnic and gang violence, crime, and the destruction of nature. With the rising economic crisis, we are also struck by the growing gap between rich and poor. All of these challenges require us to turn to prayer, to our Franciscan tradition, and to seek guidance for the New Year, so that we might truly foster peace in our world.”
“Peace Made Flesh” will offer:
- Daily reflections on seasonal Scriptures, along with Franciscan stories
- Daily prayers for peace
- Opportunities to try new practices and skills for peacemaking
- Invitations to take action for peace
- An on-going process to help deepen one’s Advent faith experience
This Advent program is designed to be used by individuals, Franciscan houses, families and small groups. It will be available for download by Thanksgiving.
New JPIC Directorate Meets
Other Justice and Peace programs planned by the Province were discussed at a recent meeting of HNP’s new JPIC Directorate.
The 2008 to 2011 JPIC Directorate, comprised of 10 members, met Nov. 8 at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.
The group is co-chaired by Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, and Jud Weiksnar, OFM. Members are Mathias Doyle, OFM, Daniel Dwyer, OFM, Hugh MacSherry, OFM, Joseph Nangle, OFM, and A. Francis Soucy, OFM. Lay members are Robert Breen, assistant professor of political science at Siena and executive director of the Anam Duan Franciscan Ecology Center in Albany and Syracuse, N.Y., and Megan Nerz, director of the Franciscan Coalition for Justice and Peace at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Raleigh, N.C.
After sharing their hopes for the JPIC Directorate, participants discussed how to guide friaries in creating a Franciscan Life Plan, as well as how to distribute resources and testimonials.
Some of the varied JPIC resources and events being planned for the coming months include:
- Engage Peacemaking Program
- Just Faith
- Just Matters
- Care For Creation programs
- Ecumenical Advocacy Days in March 2009
- Consistent Life Ethic
Holy Name’s JPIC leaders are planning to post resources on the Province’s Web site, according to Jud, who recently participated with Testa in a meeting of JPIC representatives from the English-speaking Conference of OFM provinces. The October gathering in California focused on “consistent life ethic.”
The Directorate will meet next on Dec. 9 by phone to save travel expenses.
More information about the Advent program and JPIC programs is available through the JPIC Office at 202-527-7562.