Of the New Covenant

The MISSIONARIES OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD Cup No. 28, April 2010 of the New Covenant

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD AS A WELLSPRING FOR JPJC by Francesco Bartoloni, C.PP.S.

he theme of Justice, Peace and the TIntegrity of Creation (JPIC) is becoming more and more pressing, as many religious congregations and missionaries in their ministry of ani- mation consider this issue to be essential. The same is happening in our congregation. Fr. Felix Mushobozi, a General Councilor, has the specific task of promoting this topic for the entire congregation. Here in Rome, the JPIC Committee is the most active committee in the office of the Union Bishop Erwin Kräutler, C.PP.S. speaking at Symposium in Lima, Perú of Superiors General. Through specific research, meetings and seminars, and field experience, especially in a Motivated by the Blood of Christ city as big and complex as Rome, the by Felix Mushobozi, C.PP.S. See page 15 ☛ hree images have come to sym- tions: between humanity and our cre- The Precious Blood bolize Precious Blood spirituali- ator; between persons and between as a Wellspring for JPIC T ty: covenant, cross and the cup. humanity and mother earth. Accord- by Fr. Francesco Bartoloni, C.PP.S. 1 Robert Schreiter, CPPS and Barry ing to Schreiter the image of cove- Motivated by the Blood of Christ Fischer, CPPS have written exten- nant evokes communion, community by Felix Mushobozi, C.PP.S. 1 sively regarding these images. Here I building and connectedness. The Precious Blood Ecology: Healing will recall some of their reflections covenant by which God established a Blood Flows to our Wounds and underline the motivations relationship of love was sealed by by Joseph Grilliot, C.PP.S. 5 derived therein for our missionary the blood inviting the parties to faith- Responding to the Cry of the involvement in the ministries that fulness. The blood of Christ is the Blood in the Slums of Mumbai promote Justice, Peace and the bond of these relationships. The by J. Anthony Daniel, C.PP.S. 7 Integrity of Creation (JPIC). implication of this is that we must A Seed of Justice called work to counter the individualism of the Village of Hope COVENANT our culture and the sense of isolation by Vincenzo Boselli, C.PP.S. 9 which many people experience. The biblical image of the covenant is Choices for Life in Violent Places commonly used to explain a relation- Practically, Schreiter talks about the by Kris Schrader, ASC Dani Brought,ASC 12 ship of love between humanity and need to help people find their identi- God. It includes three areas of rela- See next page ☛ T Continued from front page ☛ through death, the weakness and and conflicts, so that through con- h e ty in their relation to God and to the powerlessness of suffering can crete actions we affirm that every be the road to strength, the instru- one another. Motivated by the life is precious. C ment of human shame becomes the u blood of Christ we are invited to St. Gaspar sets the example for us. p throne of divine glory. The cross as explore situations in our ministries Motivated by the blood shed on the the altar of sacrifice through the son o which address problems of bonding cross, he went to the condemned f unites earth and heaven, marks the and communication. Schreiter sug- village of Sonnino to create with overcoming of death through the t gests specific areas of possible them the means for their survival h death of one person”2. e activity: fidelity in marriage and and to invite them to conversion. N other commitments; isolation of the The redemptive power of the cross Gaspar was imprisoned for opposi- e elderly; and the inclusion of the is found in its power to overcome tion to Napoleon’s invasion of w oppressed and marginalized in soci- negative human experiences with Papal States and returned from C eties. To these I would add care of real hope. Death is overcome by life prison with a zeal to renew the o v creation and concern for the victims as one places his or her hope in Church in chaos. Gaspar was e of climate change. Christ, who not only died on the moved with compassion for those n a cross, but rose into an everlasting dying of cholera in Rome and Our call is to take concrete mea- n life. In this way, blood symbolizes offered himself and his mission- t sures so that we share God’s cove- both death and life. aries to assist them, even at the sac- nant and especially, we share God’s rifice of his own health. concern for the poor. Our option for Thus concludes Schreiter: “The the poor and marginalized is moti- blood of Christ in which the very Today many of our CPPS and ASC missionaries hear and respond to the cry of the same blood of the “Eucharist is the source from which we cross in their varied local circumstances. In the Central American are empowered for mission and to work Mission some missionaries have for justice, peace and integrity of chosen to stay with indigenous peo- creation.” ple to make sure that their right to land and culture are respected. In our Peruvian Mission some mis- vated by the fact that we are grant- divine life was lodged is shed in sionaries have chosen to stay with ed the same spirit which entitles us this violent act; but out of that shed- the victims of pollution and degra- to address God as “Abba” – Father ding has come new life, the Church dation of environment so that their (Gal 4:6) and our recognition that and the enduring grace by which we rights and responsibilities are Christ’s disciples will be judged by are all freed from everlasting attended to and peace is preserved. the response they give to those in death.3” Such a spirituality of the The cry of the blood of the cross is greatest need (Mt 25:31-46). The cross has implications for our mis- heard by those working for recon- spirituality of the covenant that sion in the area of promotion of ciliation among the victims of guides our relationships embraces JPIC. First, we are motivated by the crime and prisoners in the USA or the whole creation. God creator and blood of Christ shed on the cross to those attending HIV victims in sustainer of the world and all it con- be responsible for those who suffer, Tanzania. In all our missionary tains dwells in all things giving whose blood is diminished and activities “the blood of Christ is the them life and being. Through God’s devalued physically, mentally, source of strength to endure, but spirit we are united with all creation morally, and in any of the circum- also the sign of ultimate hope that 4 and share responsibility for it as stances of their life. no suffering need be for ever .” As one motivated by the blood of the indicated in God’s covenant (Gn Secondly, we are urged by the same 1 cross, to give witness to the social 9:8-17) . blood of Christ to be interested in gospel means that we confront the staying with people in their suffer- suffering, the death, the contradic- CROSS ing to help them find their way tions of our lives with confidence As a symbol for Precious Blood through that suffering, transforming that there is a larger reality which spirituality, the cross carries a and redeeming their circumstances. can redeem us. wealth of meaning. Explaining the Conscious of the violence with uniqueness of the cross as a symbol, which the blood of Christ was shed Schreiter has this to say: “The cross on the cross, we are invited to CUP symbolizes the great paradox in reflect on the blood of many inno- The blood of the new and eternal 2 Christian faith: life come about cent people shed through violence covenant that was shed on the cross T h e C u p o f t h e N e w C o v e n a n t

An international community of CPPS members respond to the cry of the blood of illegal immigrants held in the Detention Center for Foreigners in Aluche (Madrid) for salvation of humanity and they shall be called sons of God” to proclaim and witness the social which is offered daily on the altar, (Mt 5:6.9). We need to drink from gospel, because we have experi- is a sacrament of love uniting the cup of the blood of Christ to enced that bond, love and peace in humanity in praise and thanksgiv- quench our thirst for justice. We community. In this way, our respon- ing. That blood was offered on the drink from the cup to be purified so sibility for one another is more cross so that whoever would thirst that we may be able to share that effective and capable of reaching for love and hope, might receive it love and hope with others. out to the poor and the marginal- in the cup of salvation. It is cele- ized. It is obvious that we need to evan- brated in obedience to the com- gelize ourselves before we can be The spirituality of the cup urges us mand of the Lord: “do this in mem- sent for mission. Our life in com- to identify ourselves with those ory of me” (1Cor 11:23-26). The munity should be a witness to the who live extreme human experi- aspirations of the Eucharistic cele- world that we are people of the ences such as hunger, diseases, per- bration do not end with the mass; covenant. The bond of charity secution, discrimination, migration, “ite missa est” literally means “go, should form us as a people of the refugees and the like. Fischer sum- it is sent”. Misa from missio implies cross so that when we gather in marizes well how a missionary of that what we celebrate in Eucharist, community to celebrate Eucharist, the Precious Blood should feel is to be sent and put into action. In “the sharing of the bread and wine when he raises the cup of the this way we can see that Eucharist open up new spaces in our daily Eucharist: “When we gaze into the is the source from which we are lives to share from our abundance Eucharistic cup, which we hold in empowered for mission and to work as the small child shared what he reverence, we see our lives as an for justice, peace and integrity of had in offering of the loaves and intermingling of joys and sorrows, creation. fishes to Jesus in the miracle of the successes and fai lures, victories and “Happy are those who hunger and multiplication of bread.5”Having defeats, virtue and sin.” thirst for what is right, they shall be shared the cross and the cup in “The Eu charistic cup brings togeth- satisfied”; Happy the peacemakers, community, we are able to go forth er the signs of death and of suffer- 3 T ing and of injustices with the pas- h 6 e sion of Christ. ” This is the synthe- CPPS FORMATORS’ WORKSHOP sis of what we see as the spirituality C u of the cup offered and shared in the A workshop for current formators and vocation promoters and p Eucharist, which becomes the impe- those who might be working in these ministries in the near future o tus for our missionary activities. f Via Narni (Rome) t CONCLUSION With trips to Albano & Giano h July 4 - July 17, 2010 e I am convinced that our choice to be actively involved in ministries N e which promote justice, peace, and Goals of the Workshop w integrity of creation is proper to our ● To improve our formation programs by developing the C charism and is an expression of our formators theoretical understanding and practical skills. o spirituality. My reflections about our v ● To create a network of support among the formators e engagement in apostolic activities n and vocation promoters. a which promote JPIC have the objec- n tive of affirming that we must read t the signs of times so that we can be more prophetic. My experience in reconsider and broaden our under- sion of the Church is now seen as meeting with other congregations in standing of mission. The workshop central to the mission of the church. which JPIC is a priority is that there on mission which took place in It was the stated goal of the mission are a number of reasons for which a Salzburg in July 2009 marks an workshop and the discussions in the congregation may be resistant in important step forward toward this units which have followed the making JPIC a priority of its mis- goal. With the help of modern workshop, to help the congregation sion. In some congregations there scholarship in Missiology we were move forward towards a common can be unwillingness to take radical helped to pinpoint six essential ele- understanding of a CPPS theology positions and thus are satisfied with ments of CPPS mission. Witness of mission. The recent symposium a kind of spirituality focused solely and proclamation; Liturgy, prayer on “Mission in Defense of our on prayer and interior life, and contemplation; Justice, Peace Common Home” (Earth Com- untouched by pain and injustices of and Integrity of Creation; Inter- munity) held in Peru, also advanced the marginalized in today’s world. In religious dialogue; Incultura tion; the dialogue between JPIC and others, it is the shortage of personnel and Reconciliation. Precious Blood spirituality. We which limit our options to engage in As you can see JPIC is included as must keep this conversation alive so ministries demanding mobility. an essential element of CPPS mis- that all will hear the cry of the sion. In this we echo one of the most blood and be sent forth into In some congregations, especially important affirmations of the Precious Blood ministries that pro- in Latin America, inactivity can be church’s social mission. From the mote Justice, Peace and the the result of a clash between ideolo- Synod of Bishops in 1971: “Action Integrity of Creation. ◆ gies, theologies and ecclesiologies. on behalf of justice and participation In some extreme cases, a prejudice in the transformation of the world against JPIC activities has arisen fully appear to us as a constitutive 1 For these observations see Brian Davies, which seems to reflect a certain “A spirituality of Justice: A spirituality dimension of the preaching of the which can give coherence to every area of kind of degeneration that has creat- Gospel, or, in other words, of the our life” in hexhamndnewcastlejustice- ed a fear of being disturbed, with a church’s mission for the redemption andpeace.org. resistance to any change of life- of the human race and its liberation 2 Schreiter, Robert, “Covenant, Cross style. from every oppressive situation.7” Chalice”. (Published in the Cincinnati Province Newsletter, July 1, 1985), 1658. The renewal of our congregation The importance of this affirmation 3 Schreiter, R., op. cit., p. 1658. will not be effective if we do not lies in the fact that the social mis- 4 Ibid. 5 Fischer, Barry, Cry of the Blood, (Carthagena, OH: Messenger Press, 2004), 164-165. “ Action on behalf of justice and participa- 6 Fischer B., op. cit., pp. 165-166. 7 Synod of Bishops, 1971, Justice in the tion in the transformation of the world World, “Introduction”, in David J. O’Brien fully appear to us as a constitutive dimen- and Thomas A. Shannon, eds., Catholic Social Thought: The Documentary sion of the preaching of the Gospel.” Heritage (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 4 1992), 289. T h PRECIOUS BLOOD ECOLOGY: e C u HEALING BLOOD FLOWS TO OUR WOUNDS p o e live in a time of great ad- by Joseph Grilliot, C.PP.S. our reliance on coal, oil, and natural f vances in technology and a gas for energy. The increased carbon t W h time of great abuses when the greedy In this way, God affirmed through in the air traps more heat from the e actions of a few violate the good dig- the bonds of covenantal relationship sun and warms the average tempera- nity of the many and the earth itself. N the blessing on humans, animals, ture of the earth. This increased heat e In ways this is not a new occurrence. and the plants and earth as well. alters the ecosystems of all living w We know from Genesis (Gen 6) the From this epic history perhaps we things and pushes the climate sys- C story of the Great Flood that over- can learn from the mistakes of those tems to create storms of incredible o whelmed the earth in the times of who chose evil: Human a ctions v strength. Because the carbon levels e Noah. At that time God was angry affect all of God’s creation! in the atmosphere are so high and are n with the human beings who had a released at increasing rates, the glob- n become violent, choosing only evil so GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE al climate system may be on the t that their corruption had contaminat- brink of changes that would take mil- ed even the earth. Because of this, Currently, one of the biggest chal- lions of years to reverse. With this God brought forth a surging flood to lenges for our earth is global climate reality, it is clearly time to reduce our destroy what was evil. God however change. This frightful complex has carbon emissions by using less ener- saved Noah and his family and pairs already begun affecting our world of all the animals on earth so that they and poses many problems in our near gy. We can also begin mining our could begin anew. After the floodwa- future from rising oceans to trauma- spiritual resources that might just fill ters receded, God established a tic mega storms. We are using too many of our needs. covenant with Noah, his family, and many resources and burning too A PRECIOUS BLOOD ECOLOGY with all the creatures so that they many fossil fuels. We’re pulling car- would be blessed, multiply, and never bon stored in the ground and releas- In such challenging times a spiritual- be destroyed again (Gen 9:7-17). ing it into the atmosphere through ity of the blood of Christ offers

The Rainbow: a sign of God’s covenant with Noah and humanity 5 T opportune insights. Within the triune recycling. We examined the guide- become more aware of how I am h e God there is a creative movement of lines from our local recycling center fundamentally connected to my fam- life that pours out into the creation for what kinds of materials they ily, friends, and community; the soil, C u and re-creation of the world. This accept. Then, we prepared a little sys- water, and air around me; the ants, p movement of life flows into us like tem of trash cans marked for metals, birds, and coyotes in my backyard; glass, cardboard, paper, batteries, and o blood and water into our cups. As the the coal mines in West Virginia, oil f divine grace flows into our vessels we plastics. We take turns hauling the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, logging might try to capture it not losing an bags of materials to the nearby recy- t fields in Brazil, and the many people h ounce. However, the flow is too large cling center. In doing this I am who toil in these places. I am learn- e and our chalices too small to contain becoming aware of just how many ing just how much ecological justice N the flow of life. If we try to hold onto cardboard boxes and plastic bags we and human justice are interwoven e it, the water becomes stagnant and the use on a regular basis. Perhaps we 2 w and mutually reinforce one another . blood clots. However, by living with could create a little less waste by Because justice is grounded in right C the flow and letting our life blood bringing reusable bags to the grocery relationship, I must learn to live in o store. I am also grateful for the way v pour out for others, we are continual- harmony with the whole network of our recycling is a communal effort to e ly renewed. Saint Paul’s letter relationships that give me life from n reduce the use of resources. Although a reminds us, “But we have this treasure the roots of the soil to the birds of the recycling programs are only one part, n in clay jars, so that it may be made sky. Where the economic and mate- t doing this with purpose and persis- clear that this extraordinary power rial systems that I live in exploit peo- tence is a clear step toward living belongs to God and does not come ple and earth, justice calls me to 1 more sustainably. from us. ” The grace of God is not move with healing blood toward meant just for us but to be shared and restored relationships. flow through the lives of all people. Impelled by the flow of Precious In a mystical way the life blood and “ Where the eco- Blood I long to live more fully God’s water flowing from the Triune God nomic and materi- covenant with Noah and humanity, is the same sap flowing through the al systems exploit the animals, plants, and with the boughs of the trees and the shoots of people and earth, whole earth. In this way I seek to all plants. This same life flows live sustainably, be joyful in commu- through mammals, frogs, insects, justice calls me to nity, and honor the creatures and and all creatures on the earth. This move with heal- plants of the Earth with whom I same life breathes through every ing blood toward share life. By taking up this human being from Tanzania, Co- restored relation- covenantal journey in the healing lombia, the United States, India, blood of Jesus, perhaps we can share Italy, and everywhere else on the ships.” a world of beauty, peace, and sus- earth! We are truly rooted in connec- tainable life with the children of tion with all of life through the Spirit today and those of many generations of God and the Blood of Jesus Christ 3 ◆ Recycling is a good first step of into the future . that flows through us all. healing in the blood of Christ, but a Through this manifest connection, whole lot more is possible. We can the healing blood of life flows to the all continue learning about sustain- 1 The Green Bible, New Revised Standard wounds in our world. Just like in our ability, raise awareness about eco- Version 1989, National Council of bodies blood flows with warmth and logical issues, be more energy effi- Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. (New healing to our injuries, the life of cient, drive less and walk more, eat York: Harper Collins, 2008), 2 Corinthians God flows to our wounded relation- healthy food, write letters to law- 4:7. 2 ships. If we are attentive, patient, makers, buy from companies that “Every violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment, just as and willing to respond faithfully, our practice sustainable methods, and environmental deterioration in turn upsets relationship with ourselves, our even participate in direct actions that relations in society. Nature...is so integrat- communities, and with all that God promote policies to better sustain our ed into the dynamics of society and culture has created may travel the path of world. While there are many ways to that by now it hardly constitutes an inde- pendent variable.” Pope Benedict XVI, reconciliation. respond to ecological challenges, Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, Vatican, 29 every step moves me more deeply June 2009, http://www.vatican.va/holy_ TAKING ACTION into restored relationships with the father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents earth community. /hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in- This flow of healing blood and abun- veritate_en.html, Accessed 29 January dant life brings me the courage to 2010, #51. ALL LIFE IS CONNECTED 3 respond faithfully to climate change “We must recognize our grave duty to hand IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS and environmental problems. In our the earth on to future generations in such a condition that they too can worthily inhab- community house in Chicago we My understanding of the blood of it it and continue to cultivate it,” Pope 6 have taken a purposeful approach to Jesus flows through all of life. I’ve Benedict, Caritas in Veritate, #50. T h Responding to the Cry of the Blood e C in the Slums of Mumbai u p o ur Precious Blood missionary by J. Anthony Daniel, C.PP.S occurred at 8:45 PM. Fr. J. f presence in Mumbai began on Anthony Daniel rushed to the O t May 31, 2007 in response to an riages. Fr. John Peter has rectified scene and opened the Church, h invitation from Bishop Bosco 28 marriages and I, five. We also which served as a shelter for the e Phena, the Auxiliary Bishop of the face the problems of mixed mar- people as the people abandoned N Archdiocese of Mumbai. Frs. John riage and the sacraments of initia- everything and ran for shelter. e w Peter and J. Anthony Daniel are tion. All these problems we tried to Muslims, Hindus and Christians serving as chaplains to the Tamil solve with the help of the Chan- C took refuge together in the Church, o people in some ten slums. Before cellor/Episcopal Vicar. without discrimination of religion. v our arrival there were other Tamil e On January 6, 2009 there was a big n chaplains from different dioceses With the help of the Missionaries a fire in Cheeta Camp caused by the of Charity and the Church we were n who ministered for three to four t years. Some of them were commit- explosion of an LP Gas cylinder. It able to provide clothing, food, bis- ted to the people, while others was a real tragedy. Some 400 fam- cuits, milk powder, mats, buckets, merely seemed to be passing their ilies lost everything and in a short mugs, bed sheets, etc. There was a time. All the work we do in the time nearly half of the slum houses great show of solidarity as this was sums is in collaboration with the were burnt into charcoal. The fire the biggest tragedy Mumbai faced, local Bishops and the parish priests who support our efforts.

Among the most challenging areas we serve are Ray Road, Juhu, and Cheeta Camp. In these slums the people are living in pathetic condi- tions. Until our arrival, a big problem existed between the slum dwellers and the parish due to language. Because they did not speak the local language it was difficult for them to participate in the sacra- mental life of the Church.

We spent the first six months getting acquainted with the situation and then trying to find solutions to the many problems that the people faced, like the need for food, clothing and shelter. We also motivated the parents to send their children to school for education, especially the girls. Some attend Catholic schools while others are in Government schools. Since many parents could not afford the fees for the catholic schools they could not go there. So we negotiated with the parish priests and arranged that special reduced fees be asked of these needy families.

The next problem we tackled was that of the rectification of mar- Life in the slums of Mumbai 7 T as a slum was turned into ashes. h e With the financial assistance of the “ We spent the first six months getting Indian Vicariate, on December 24th C u we distributed blankets, mats, acquainted with the situation and then p plates, glasses and food grain to trying to find solutions to the many prob- o help these needy families. f lems that the people faced...” Among all the difficulties and t h crises that we face in the slums, are e the celebrations held at Cheeta N Camp’s “Mother Velankanni Missionaries and their work in the Mumbai. We also thank Fr. Barry e w Church.” The chapel is thirty-three Parish. Fr. John Peter, CPPS and Fischer and Fr. Francesco Barto - years old. Previous to our arrival Fr. Maria Anthony, CPPS render loni who cooperated for this new C o the people would come on their collaboration and support. venture, as well as Fr. Amaladoss, v Wednesdays and Sundays for a the Vicariate Director. e The crises that the Missionaries liturgical celebration conducted by n faced in the initial stages were the a the lay people but with no recep- Through the availability of our n crown for the Society to grow and Missionaries, Fr. J. Anthony Daniel t tion of Eucharist. to yield bountiful fruit. Thanks and Fr. John Peter, Fr. Sagaya There was no communication with must be given to Fr. Joseph Monte - Ruben, the dream became reality the diocese. The Bishop realized negro, the Provincial Director of and this new community is alive the difficulties that we would face the Italian province who always and continues to grow, grow and and asked the Missionaries of the dreamed of having a mission in grow. ◆ Precious Blood if we would take this new unit. Due to some difficulties, we did not assume the mission in 2008.

With the help of Bishop Agnelo and Fr. J. Anthony Daniel, CPPS, we constructed a residence for the Missionaries and on June 1, 2009 this new ministerial unit was formed and Fr. Daniel appointed as first Priest-in Charge. Fr. F. Sagaya Ruben, CPPS was the new Tamil Chaplain with residence in the new community. The people and the Diocese are very happy with the presence of the CINEMA “ The crises that the The New Stained Glass Window Missionaries faced This retreat-workshop represents an imaginative, open- in the initial minded dialogue between Theology and Cinema stages were the with crown for the Br. ANTONIO SISON, C.PP.S. Society to grow International Center of Precious Blood Spirituality and to yield boun- Salzburg, Austria tiful fruit.” June 25-27, 2010 8 T h AA SSEEEEDD OOFF JJUUSSTTIICCEE CCAALLLLEEDD e C u TTHHEE VVIILLLLAAGGEE OOFF HHOOPPEE p o he Village of Hope is the by Vincenzo Boselli, C.PP.S. elderly people find the necessary f Tresponse of the Sisters Adorers food when finding food for them- t of the Blood of Christ and the selves is the major undertaking of h WHY THE CHILDREN? e Missionaries of the Precious Blood everyday? These children, being to one of the current crisis in It was not a choice simply dictated recognized as orphans of parents N e Tanzania: the plague of AIDS. The by the tenderness which arises in who died of AIDS, become a visi- w work is situated six kilometers one’s heart for a child who is suf- ble witness that someone in the C from the city of Dodoma, in one of fering, but from affirming that this family died of AIDS. This illness is o the poorest regions of the country. was the group that suffered most in still a source of shame for the v e this social context. greater part of the population of n There are many reasons for this Tanzania, because it is associated a n project and we have faced many The orphan has never been an with conjugal infidelity or extra- t challenges since we began in 2001. unsolvable problem in Africa. On marital relations. And finally, there We respond to the persons who are the contrary, the extended family is the fear that these children can suffering from AIDS, not only with model responded well to this prob- become a source of infection for a generic and preventative support lem. The great patriarchal family the whole family. All of this ren- but with the desire to give a new welcomes an orphan child and dered these children to be consid- hope for life by means of treatment treated them like the others who ered an unbearable weight, which with antiretroviral. still had a father and a mother. The is sometimes cruelly expressed as, orphans received love, care, help “The sooner they pass away the When we began, this perspective and treatment the same as the rest, better.” did not exist in Tanzania. The big effort of the government was justly directed toward sensitizing and educating the population on the “ A dream began to take shape of creat- problem of AIDS, in order to avoid the transmission of the virus. This ing a place which would privilege those meant that the principal target of suffering from AIDS, giving them con- the entire AIDS program was directed towards healthy people, cretely the possibility of a future.” while those suffering with AIDS were simply ignored. For those with the disease, there was little care as they waited for death. This since children in a patriarchal soci- Is it just the poorest link of society, did not seem right to us. A dream ety were not only the responsibility the elderly, who has the responsi- began to take shape of creating a of the parents but of the whole clan. bility to provide a solution for the place which would privilege those orphans? Was it just that the most suffering from AIDS, giving them The advent of the great number of innocent should suffer and die for concretely the possibility of a orphans suffering from AIDS over- the mistakes of others? No. It was future. We want the silent voice of whelmed Tanzanian society, which this that led us to decide to focus the AIDS sufferer to be heard. was unprepared to give an ade- our response to caring for the chil- quate response. The old model was dren. And thus, with the orphan Faced with the immense number of no longer feasible. Caring for them child suffering from AIDS at the people who needed help and given was often placed on the shoulders center of our attention, this project the limitedness of our resources, of the weakest of the family, name- was born. we needed to make a choice about ly the grandfathers or grandmoth- ers, who most of the time were how to direct our efforts. After WELCOMING INTO A FAMILY careful consideration, the choice dependent on alms for their own fell to the children who have lost support. After the death of their second par- both parents from AIDS; these ent, the majority of the children are children themselves being affected These children need adequate, found in a state of complete aban- by this terrible illness. quality food. Where can these donment. There is no one who can 9 T h e C u p o f t h e N e w C o v e n a n t

Sr. Rosaria, ASC with children in the Village of Hope

or wants to take care of them; none to look to the future with serenity. will open up for them new perspec- to provide for their affective, med- Twelve family homes have been tives on life. In this way the chil- ical, nutritional, and instructional created in which these children live dren are reinserted into a larger needs. with adoptive parents. Each family context than that of the village is composed of ten or more chil- community. They find people who The first part of the project was to dren, a “mom and dad,” plus a respect them and they find the create an environment that could nurse who acts as a big sister. She occasion to begin again to recover receive, from all over Tanzania, substitutes for the parents on the those relations necessary for every children orphaned of both parents days on which they return to their child to grow normally. and affected by AIDS. Our aim own family and she helps the mom was to diminish the impact of the with the daily household chores. consequences of the illness. We After getting up and having break- HOME ASSISTANCE wanted to create an environment in fast, the smallest go to nursery A second part of our ministry is to which the children will have the school. The bigger ones go to ele- reduce the number of these chil- desire to live; to have them redis- mentary school where they join dren. To do this we created a net- cover the love of a family, with healthy children who are going to work of contacts to seek out those someone they can still call Dad or the same school. Since January of children who have lost only one Mom; and to have them understand this year, the older ones have parent. Through accompaniment, that they still have the possibility begun to go to high school, which we seek to help the remaining parent to understand the importance of his or her role for the care of the child, as well as, to provide for the “ We wanted to create an environment in child’s future. In fact, it is neces- which the children will have the desire to sary that the parent also enter into therapy and regain a way of life live... to have them rediscover the love of that benefits the child. As the par- a family.” ent benefits from therapy and begins to feel better, they feel a 10 stronger desire to take the medi- cine precisely for the love that they T h have for their child. The program “ Was it just that the most innocent e seeks to stir up in the remaining C parent the desire to begin again, the should suffer and die for the mistakes u awareness of their responsibility of others?” p towards the child, and above all, o the hope that there is still a future f for both. t August 2002, we received the first towards the children in Tanzania. h three babies. But was this what God was asking e SAFE MATERNITY of us? Or rather was God asking us N Today, there are more than 160 to be salt and to be the light of jus- e w A third part of the project is encour- children within the institution and tice in this situation, reversing the aging pregnant women to be tested more than 350 being helped in our course of injustice in our little C o for AIDS. If they test positive for external programs. In total, the way? We don’t know and we can- v AIDS, they are encouraged to fol- number of those suffering from not know. But we know the joy and e n low an antiretroviral therapy begin- AIDS who are followed by the the new hope of life of these chil- a ning in the sixth month of pregnan- Village of Hope has already sur- dren suffering from AIDS. We n t cy. By means of monthly visits, the passed 2000. Many HIV positive know of those who are born expectant mother is followed for mothers are embracing healthy healthy in the project of safe mater- the whole period of pregnancy, children and many adults have nity. And we know a small wave of until the moment of delivery. At begun to hope and to live again. AIDS sufferers that everyday find that time she will receive care in a welcome and a new hope in life order to give birth in a secure way Certainly we have not eradicated in the medical clinics of the Village and avoid having the child be the roots of the injustice that has of Hope. This makes us think that infected during delivery. been perpetrated towards these maybe a seed of justice has been AIDS victims, and especially planted. ◆ The mother will remain in the Center for a brief period to avoid breastfeeding, to learn to prepare the necessary nourishment for her own baby and will attend short courses on child care, hygiene and economics in order to undertake small initiatives for self-support once she leaves the center.

This is the reason we created the maternity center within the Village: to be a center that helps the couple to accept their illness; that protects them from the stress of relatives and curious people; and instructs them in the preparation of alterna- tive food instead of maternal milk, while helping them with a contri- bution for the purchasing of milk.

CONCLUSION It is said, “In order to change the world it is necessary that someone, however small, have the courage to begin.” When we began, many offered discouragement. But we trusted in God and providence. We welcomed his invitation, and in Fr. Vincenzo, CPPS lifting up hope for renewed life 11 ☛ T ☛ h e CHOICES FOR LIFE C u p IN VIOLENT PLACES o f ttie is a soft-spoken 24 year by Kris Schrader, ASC And we are women religious who t Dani Brought, ASC h Oold who graduated from are marked and called by the spiri- e Maria De Mattias Institute (sec- tuality of the Blood of Christ. How N ondary school) and has worked father can read, but they are so appropriate that the family of the e with the Sangre de Cristo Precious Blood is present in w proud of their daughter. They own Healthcare Project for the last 5 a small store in a very populated Guatemala at this time. C years. She continues her studies in o barrio area near us. Two months v psychology in the evenings at the ago the entire family moved out, Every morning in our prayer shar- e national university. Or she has until n leaving home, store and a future ing we are questioned by the reali- a recently. She was an “accidental” n victim of a bus shooting, a far too t common occurrence in Guatemala. Her recovery process will be long. The out-of-control violence against bus drivers and owners who refuse to pay the local extortion fees has catapulted Guatemala to the United Nation’s #3 spot for current viola- tions of human rights.

Dina is a wife and mother of two. She has worked with the Healthcare Project for 10 years and brings great enthusiasm and compassion as a nurse. The patients love her. But she and her family were forced to move out of our sec- tor to an undisclosed location, in the middle of the night. Her hus- band owns a bus and has now been targeted for “safety” payments. Phone threats made it clear that they know his family, where his

wife works, where his children go Oti and children from the dental health education program to school.

Ana Lucia is a 13 year old from a full of hope. They had not been ty around us, the desire within us family of 6 children. She is the first making the payments to area extor- and the power of the Spirit calling to be able to study beyond grade tionists and when an entire family us forth. school and has a “scholarship” two blocks down was murdered in from a parish in the States to attend their own home, they knew they How are we affected? Anyone who our Institute. Neither mother nor had to leave. lives within a culture of violence and death can probably identify with the overwhelming feelings of “ Anyone who lives within a culture of violence powerlessness, sadness and anger. When the phone rings at an unusu- and death can probably identify with the al hour, you hold your breath for overwhelming feelings of powerlessness.” just a moment, trying not to run ahead and anticipate bad news. 12 When driving in the city at dark, T h e C u p o f t h e N e w C o v e n a n t

Sr. Dani, ASC conversing with women from the health clinic we are constantly monitoring marily found in its people and As a local community of Precious pedestrians, other cars with tinted wealth of natural resources. It is Blood women, Adorers of the windows, debating whether to the place where we have worked Blood of Christ, we have been very remain in place at stop lights. We alongside others who desire to be intentional in identifying the reali- have both been victims of armed about life, about new opportunities ty in which we live and from that robberies, up close and personal, and helping to bring about what base developing our statement of with big guns in our faces and our foundress Maria De Mattias mission and community life plan. doubts about the stability of the calls “the beautiful order of And there are four integral compo- attackers. It wasn’t what we expect- things.” The healthcare project and nents that call to us and at the same ed would be the Guatemalan reality the education initiative are two time nurture us as we walk in this when we came years ago. At that projects which speak most to peo- land. We acknowledge the grace time it was a wounded land trying ple where they are and where they and blessing of our spirituality to recover from a horrendous civil live. The fact that the projects have and the unfailing support of our war that had claimed over 50,000 grown and impacted the entire ASC community, family, friends lives and devastated the native peo- region so significantly, speak to the and lay communities. We pray we ples. But the scars of violence run truth of that. might always begin from a stance deep and when not addressed in a healthy way have a tendency to fes- ter and infect the whole body. Guatemala is an infected country “ We consciously look for ways to promote and signs of it are all around. a culture of hope and reconciliation in This is our reality. And yet, it is not Guatemala.” the entire reality. Guatemala is a land of great beauty as well, pri- 13 T of gratitude. We recognize the gift- h edness of those with whom we are e privileged to work, and pray that C our way of being with might u p encourage initiative-taking in designing and guiding the health o f care and education projects. We know we bring gifts to the work we t h do. We consciously look for ways e to promote a culture of hope and N reconciliation in Guatemala, e beginning with these two projects, w projects which both exist as con- C crete expressions of the healing o v power of the Blood of Christ at e work in the world. We pray that we n a are an expression of the hospitali- n ty of God in the ways in which we t open ourselves and our home to all, encouraging each person to know they are a part of this ministry. Those, of course, are the broad statements of our desire and what we believe to be God’s desire for us. They are translated into specific actions that we know to be at the heart of what sustains us in the midst of this reality.

We choose to share prayer each morning for about an hour, con- Sr. Kris, ASC assisting children in the library scious of God’s word, our congregational words and the word of anyone who might be interested. sen to have opportunities for both Guatemala’s unfolding story. [You can request a copy at sister- projects (and at times together) to Drawing upon the graces of our [email protected]] Our desire is go deeper in our common under- morning reflections, with each to look at the big picture of standing of the spirituality of the experience we continue to support Guatemala and the local reality Blood and to flesh out what that one another and come to know through the lens of our spirituality means in concrete choices. It is even more the grace of connection and our mission statement. imperative that we foster a culture and walking in solidarity with the of hope and take the necessary other. Once a week we bring to our Once a week our morning prayer steps, however small they may be, prayer news articles and informa- time is dedicated to deepening our to see it become more a reality. tion about the national reality. own understanding of non-vio- Once a month we try to condense it lence so that we are able to make We doubt that we are unusual in all into a one page informational choices for life and not succumb to the choices we make. Many of you letter which we share with our ASC the numbing darkness of these are doing the same thing, and that family, friends, acquaintances and times. We have intentionally cho- is a great source of comfort and support for us. As we recognize and embrace the truth that we are “ We choose to share prayer each morning part of one human community we know that each of us and all of us for about an hour, conscious of God's together can stand with sure hope word, our congregational words and the that the power of God’s love, revealed in the total gift of Jesus word of Guatemala's unfolding story.” sustains us and animates our desire 14 to go forward. ◆ ☛ Continued from front page saved from the flood. This is an (India); Fr. Vincenzo Boselli, who T h members of this committee are a ref- aspect of our spirituality that is per- every day fights his battle to alleviate e haps new to many. It is part of an the suffering of children suffering erence point for those superiors gen- C eral who want to animate all the increasingly new and dynamic from AIDS in Dodoma (Tanzania); u members of their Congregations on understanding of our spirituality of and ASC Sisters Kris Schrader and p this issue. the blood of Christ. It expresses an Dani Brought, who live in one of the o almost cosmic vision. The cosmos most violent quarters of one of the f Fr. Mushobozi actively participates becomes the altar upon which the most violent cities in Latin America, t in the activities and commitments of blood of Christ is offered as a sign of Guatemala City − each have given us h e this committee. From the very begin- covenant and redemption. The recent articles which describe how they ning, we have been committed to symposium held in Lima (Peru), give witness to life. N helping all our members understand e Ecology and Spirituality of the Most w that the theme of Justice, Peace, and The spirituality of Christ’s blood is Precious Blood in Defense of the the Integrity of Creation is an essen- both the source and well spring of C Earth, our Common Home, high- o tial part of the spirituality of the their missionary commitment to cre- lighted this aspect of our cosmic v blood of Christ. This effort includes ate a society where peace and justice e initiatives and strategies that enable spirituality. n are equally important objectives of a us to reach all members. Although The covenant and redemption are development. Sisters Kris and Dani n many understand that this theme is t offered to humanity in our environ- openly say that living in the most an important and increasingly an ment. And it is humanity who must violent quarter of Guatemala City, essential part of our spirituality, they bearing witness to reconciliation and do not know how to put it into prac- be committed to seeing that this envi- social progress through education tice, given the complexity and diffi- ronment is respected and defended. and health care, is “appropriate“ for culty of the challenges that they face The cross and the cup are the symbols those who have this spirituality as a in their lives and ministries. of suffering and mission. By partici- pating in Christ’s suffering we fulfill charism. The first article in this edition of The his mission of sharing the suffering of I visited the slums of Mumbai where Cup is written by Fr. Mushobozi. He humanity and its redemption. The Fr Daniel and his fellow missionar- writes about the motivation of our Eucharist which we celebrate in ies carry out their ministry. The peo- commitment to Justice, Peace and Church continues with us being sent ple in these slums live an unimagin- the Integrity of Creation. It is not just out into the world to achieve that that JPIC has become a popular area ‘justice’ for which Christ gave his life able life in an environment which I of concern; we find our motivation and shed his blood. cannot find words to describe. Fr. in the spirituality of Christ’s blood, Daniel was offered accommodations which is the root of our charism. The Fr. Daniel Anthony, who carries out outside the slum. From there, it was three images, which I would call the his ministry in the slums of Mumbai thought, he could go to exercise his classical symbols of expression for our spirituality − the covenant, the cross and the cup − are revisited by Fr. Felix and relocated within the social reality which cries out for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. The covenant stresses the new and dynamic need for relationship, no longer just with humanity in general, but above all with those who are most excluded from every relationship and marginalized. It is for these that Christ’s blood was shed and for whom he died “outside the walls.”

Joseph Grilliot, in his article on Ecology and Spirituality adds to this concept of our covenant with humanity the idea of a covenant with all creatures and all creation. He highlights the example of the covenant which God made with The blood of the covenant: a call to recognize the interconnectedness Noah and all creatures and creation of peoples and all of creation 15 T ministry for a few days a week. h e Instead, he and the other priests of OUR AUTHORS the Vicariate of India wanted to live C u in the unimaginable environment of Fr. Felix Mushoboshi, C.PP.S. of the Vicariate of p the slums, in the midst of its people, Tanzania serves on the CPPS General Council. He is o the vast majority of whom are not responsible for the area of Justice, Peace, and the f Catholic or Christian. He wanted to Integrity of Creation. t build his house there. For him and h e his companions the charism of the Joseph Grilliot, C.PP.S. is a definitively incorporat- spirituality of Christ’s blood was ed member of the Cincinnati Province. He is cur- N e “appropriate” for making such a rad- rently in his fourth year of theology at the Catholic w ical choice. It was as appropriate as Theological Union in Chicago. C the choice of Fr. Vincenzo Boselli o and the ASC sisters in Tanzania who Fr. Anthony Daniel, C.PP.S. is a priest of the v e dedicate their lives to children Vicariate of India. Along with other CPPS n Missionaries he exercises his ministry in the slums of a affected by AIDS. n Mumbai. t I remember a phrase by Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “All the works of Fr. Vincenzo Boselli, C.PP.S. completed his theolog- justice are works of love.” These ical studies in Tanzania and has exercised a variety projects are a dynamic expression of of ministries and leadership roles there for the past our spirituality and shows the truth thirty-three years. of Mother Teresa’s words. They are a response to a reading of the times Sr. Daniel Brought and Sr. Kris Shrader and responding in light of our ASC are Adorers of the Blood of Christ from charism and spirituality. To quote the the US Region. They serve in varied min- words of Sisters Kris and Dani, it is istries in La Labor, Guatemala. “appropriate” for us to work for JPIC. By doing so, we find new methods and new ways of sharing Next Issue: OCTOBER, 2010 and extending to all the “merits” of the blood of reconciliation and “Kaleidoscope of the Precious Blood Family” redemption. (Saint Gaspar) ◆

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