11.05.2019
JPIC/Brazil Group Meeting
The Sisters of the JPIC/Brazil groups gathered in Curitiba, November 2-3, 2019 to, among other topics, reflect on and evaluate their journey during the year. Sister Katia Rejane Sassi, Provincial Superior, was present throughout the meeting.
An initial moment of recollection motivated the group to pray for life, and for those who have gone to the Father. Realities and situations life is harvested, often too early, were remembered.
To begin, Sister Nilva Rosin, coordinator of the group, shared a report on the activities carried out by JPIC/Brazil from November, 2018 to November, 2019. There were many actions, among them, face-to-face and virtual meetings; reflections on ethical issues and responsible production and consumption; two meetings on analysis of reality (in Itu and Caxias do Sul), attended by more than 200 people, Sisters, Associates and collaborators; motivation and encouragement about the 2019 Fraternity Campaign "Fraternity and Public Policies"; a prayer vigil on human trafficking and migration; dissemination of experiences in the CSJournal and websites of the Congregation and Brazil; letter to communities on climate change (2019); prayer for the time of creation and study and reflection on the text, the Theology of Plastic, and prayer and unity regarding the Synod for the Amazon.
Meeting with the French Group
A special moment experienced by the group was a meeting with French pilgrims. A group of 14 people from the diocese of Savoy, from the first Sisters left for Brazil, visited several places that mark the presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brazil. The group is engaged in missionary services in the diocese and parishes. Sister Dominga Zolet and two priests accompanied the group.
After a brief explanation about the actions of JPIC/Brazil, there were questions which created an interesting chat and exchange of experiences. One of the actions that the group carries out in France and that drew our attention is the circles of silence. This is an initiative of the Franciscans for nonviolence. They invite people to form a circle in a public place lasting between 15 minutes and a half hour. Meanwhile, some people hand out leaflets to say why the group is there. Everyone is in silence. This creates an impact and makes people reflect.
The next steps
The meeting continued on Sunday with a time that motivated all to pray for holiness, highlighting that being holy is to be bearers of life, defenders of life, and lovers of life. This time was followed with a review of the Province\�s 2020-2031 action plan, highlighting JPIC actions.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the strengths and challenges that remain. One of the challenges is to involve all the Sisters from all stages of life in the JPIC journey. Often this seems to be understood as something separate from the life of the Congregation. We need to grow in the understanding that "everything is interconnected as if we were one, and all is interconnected in this common house”.
Finally, there was a gesture of gratitude, of sending and friendship, together we sing and believe that, "The Lord brings light when we need it...”
After lunch, there was a beautiful and fraternal walk on the farm.
Sister Eliana Aparecida dos Santos
