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Fifth and final day of the JPIC Training Workshop

The JPIC 2025 workshop focused on the theme Pilgrims of Hope for a Systemic Transformation at the Service of the Common Good of All Creation. Organized for five days by the JPIC USG-UISG Commission, this training workshop aimed to equip promoters involved in JPIC-related ministries to discern appropriate responses to the current needs of the world. Here are the main topics covered. 1) The biblical and spiritual foundations of the JPIC apostolates and related ministries. 2) The Church’s social teaching and systemic transformation. 3) The methodology of the JPIC pastoral cycle. 4) Advocacy related to the theme of the jubilee and some advocacy tools. 5) the organization of JPIC apostolate offices or JPIC-related ministries Offices and Groups.

Let’s talk about the fifth workshop! The latter began with the presentation of the role and ministry of the Africa Working Group (AWG). Created in 2025, this group aims to promote JPIC training and ministry in Africa and advocate on certain crises. To foster collaboration between religious and local churches and to connect religious with JPIC and training centers in Africa. After this presentation, three JPIC promoters shared their experiences in this field. What is the role of a JPIC promoter?

It should be said that the JPIC is an essential aspect for our religious life and our mission as Christians. Our model as a JPIC promoter is Christ himself who came to give life abundantly (Jn 10:10). Like Jesus, we are invited to give life and hope wherever we are sent. As such, the JPIC must guide the way we live, think and do. Our responsibility as JPIC promoters is to be able to respond to the various crises related to JPIC. To animate our congregations and communities by involving all members in this task that concerns us all. To question or revisit the richness of our charism. In view of the complexity of crises in this world, the JPIC mission invites us to be humble. Not a passive humility, but the one that pushes us to collaborate and involve others so that together we can act in favor of the JPIC.

By: Emile Kimembe, M.Afr.

JPIC FORMATION WORKSHOP 2025
DAY-4

In most countries, vulnerable communities, including low-income families, and small-scale farmers, are burdened by unsustainable levels of debt. This debt exacerbates poverty, limits access to basic services, and hinders economic growth. During the Jubilee Year, advocacy efforts can focus on campaigning for debt cancellation or restructuring programs to alleviate this burden and restore dignity and opportunity to local communities.

On the 4^th day of  the formation workshop, participants started with an exposé from the Anti-Human Trafficking Working Group (ATHWG). The group brought various issues related to the phenomenon of human trafficking, starting from its root causes, tricks used by traffickers, victims’ plight to the different rescue and reintegration mechanisms, put in place by various organizations, particularly Talitha Kum International.

Having listened to the experiences of ATHWG, the participants were introduced to the meaning and organization of advocacy work. Neil Thorns from Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) explained at length the approach and process for advocacy. Participants were helped in identifying some issues that call for advocacy. Debt cancellation is one of the urgent issues to be addressed. Thorns made available a link to sign the petition and participate in the debt cancellation campaign. It is now crucial for diverse actors to work towards debt relief for developing countries.

During the afternoon session, participants were given time to look at advocacy work in the context of the Jubilee year 2025. Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, from Talitha Kum International, explored the phenomenon of human trafficking and what can be done to curtail it. Elvis Ng’andwe, M. Afr., highlighted issues of advocacy from the Africa-Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) perspective and the actual challenges faced by the Network. Among the burning issues being addressed is the question of critical raw materials (CRMs) which are putting world superpowers at loggerheads at the expense of developing countries in the Global South.

Maureen Villanueva, from the Laudato Si Action Platform (LSAP) and Laudato Si Movement (LSM), highlighted the need to care and listen to the cry of the Earth. She urged participants to join the LSAP to be able to share their experiences with others and learn from them.

To conclude the activities of the day, the participants were provided with practical tools for advocacy. Massimo Pallotino, from Caritas Italiana, highlighted the importance of research (issues framing; providing facts and figures; clarifying connections/implications); lobbying (mapping institutional relations; monitoring of legislation); campaigning (providing arguments; increasing awareness); media/communication (traditional media; new media); coalition (networking; alliances; convergence); conflict expansion (public denunciation; manifestation), etc.

The Missionaries of Africa (especially the new promotors) participating in the workshop are being equipped with practical skills to get involved effectively in the Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation, Encounter and Dialogue (JPIC-ED) ministry. The interconnectedness of the values of justice, peace, integrity of creation, encounter and dialogue remains important for advocacy work in Africa and in the African world, particularly at local community level. With the emergence of authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes, it becomes difficult to work for advocacy. However, advocacy, coupled with networking is possible. To positively impact on local communities, the Missionaries of Africa are being urged “to think globally, but act locally”.  

By: Prosper Harelimana, M.Afr.