The small and invisible corona virus has made us aware that what goes on in the world concerns all of us. It has changed our lives and our world beyond what the superpowers could ever do. These past years we know more about China because of the Chinese products on the market and companies working in Africa. Nevertheless, I am one of those who will confess that what goes on in China is not my business. I have learnt the hard way that what goes on around the world concerns me too.

For several years our Society has given priority to Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation, Encounter and Dialogue (JPIC-ED) and it is presented as such in our official communications. We have appointed confreres to lead us in this area and trained several others to specialize in working for JPIC-ED. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to leave JPIC-ED to the experts. We appreciate its importance, talk about it to our people from time to time, but sometimes our attitudes show that it is not our business. Pope Francis notes: “The worldwide ecological movement has already made considerable progress and led to the establishment of numerous organizations committed to raising awareness of these challenges. Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new solidarity…. All ofus can cooperate as instruments of God for the involvements and talents (Laudato Si, #14). What the Pope says about the ecology is true for the other crises affecting our world – immigration of peoples, unemployment, poverty, racial discrimination, etc. The last Chapter 2016 challenges us to take JPIC-ED as part of our being as Missionaries of Africa. And Pope Francis at the occasion of the celebration of the 150″ jubilee of our foundation exhorted us saying, “May the Holy Spirit make you build bridges between people. Where the Lord has sent you, contribute to the growth of a culture of encounter; continue to be the servants of a dialogue that, while respecting differences, knows how to be enriched by the difference of other… Through the style and simplicity of your lifestyle, you also demonstrate the need to take care of our common home, the land. Finally, in the wake of Cardinal Lavigerie, be sowers of hope, fighting against all current forms of slavery. Always seek to be close to the small and the poor, to those who expect, at the periphery of our societies, to be recognized in their dignity, to be welcomed, protected, raised, accompanied, promoted and integrated.” This appeal is even more pertinent in Africa facing the challenge of covid-19 pandemic.

In this volume of Flashes, several confreres and collaborators share with us what they are doing in the area of JPIC-ED in our province. I take this opportunity to thank all those who are actively involved in the work of JPICED and to appeal to all confreres saying, it is your business too! Stay safe!

Aloysius Ssekamatte, M.Afr.
Provincial