COLOMBIA: SEMINARY FOR REGIONAL APOSTOLIC PLANNING

During April a meeting was held at the Javeriana Pontifical University in Cali, Colombia. This was the first part of a seminar on Apostolic Planning for the Jesuit houses and works in the Valle del Cauca Region and the Pacific Coast. Many Jesuits and their collaborators were present who have responsibility in the educational, social, pastoral and administrative management of those institutions. After a period of common reflection on the concept of “sustainability” the participants met in study groups and in plenary sessions to analyze the different components of a sustainable development (economic, environmental, political, social, cultural, spiritual), and the apostolic dimensions of the institutions the Society runs in the region (communication, education in colleges and universities, pastoral work in parishes and churches, spiritual radiation, social apostolate). Based on these conversations a second seminar is planned to deepen mutual knowledge and to define common action. In order to do this, the Provincial has named a committee representing the various works in the area. Father Jorge Humberto Peláez, rector of Javeriana Pontifical University in Cali, has been named president of the committee.

 

 

ITALY: AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

In the early morning of 6 April a terrible earthquake struck Abruzzo Region and L’Aquila, its principle town. Nearly 200 inhabitants were killed as they slept, hundreds were injured and many thousands lost their homes. No Jesuits were injured because our house was closed last year and the university hostel handed over to the care of others. The former residence was, however, seriously damaged and Father Lino Dan, who was in L’Aquila that night was trapped in the rubble; he was rescued uninjured, a near miracle. The Italian Province offered its help by means of its various apostolates (Christian Life Communities, Lega Missionaria Studenti, Roman University Chapel, etc.) for a fund-raising through its ONG Magis, and for assistance and solidarity to the people who lives in shelters, with volunteers who put themselves at the disposal of the Civil Defense and the local Dioceses. The Province is also considering offering a pastoral service in the months ahead, based on the requests of the local bishops.

 

 

LONDON: FATHER LOMBARDI SPEAKS ON COMMUNICATION

Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican Pres Office, Vatican Radio and Vatican Television will deliver a lecture in London May 18 on: New Technologies, New Relationships.  Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship. He will be a guest of the Catholic Communications Network on the occasion of the World Communication Day, May 24.

 

 

MALTA: YOUTH PRIZE

On May 19 in Aachen, Germany, the 2009 European Charlemagne Youth Prize Award Ceremony will be held. Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) volunteer Nicolette Busuttil, a 20-year old from Malta, is the Maltese nominee. The prize is awarded by the President of the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen; it is dedicated to young people between the ages of 16 and 30, who are engaged in projects promoting integration among European countries. Since the end of 2006, Nicoletta Busuttil, a law student, has visited asylum seekers in Safi and Hal Far detention centres in Malta. Her work has consisted in providing moral support through informal contact with asylum seekers and assistance with religious services on Sundays. She has been a sympathetic ear for asylum seekers in detention, hoping to express some solidarity in a context that often presents opposite signals. “I see my contribution as a necessary extension of my personal beliefs in the dignity of every human being”, Nicolette said. The prize consists of a sum between 2.000 and 5.000 euro, to use for projects of development and integration among European youths.

 

 

ROME: MEETING OF JESUIT BROTHERS

The annual meeting of the Italian Jesuit Brothers will take place 11-15 May at the Retreat House of the Holy Heart in Galloro. Don Massimo Grilli, an expert for Judaism and manager of the Biblical Theology Department of the Gregorian University will deliver a speech on “Relations between Old and New Testament” and their consequences on Jewish-Christian relations.  Hopefully, there will be a contribution by a rabbi. Father Milan Zust, S.J., the superior of Centro Aletti, who is committed in ecumenical relations and relations between Oriental and Western Churches, will speak on the improvements and difficulties in the reconciliation among Christian Churches. Father Michele Simone, writer for Civiltà Cattolica, will offer an insight of the Italian socio-political situation and Father Ignacio Echarte, secretary general of the Society will speak about the Society after the General Congregation and the perspectives proposed to Father General. A day visit to Subiaco, where St. Benedict lived, will be also part of the agenda.