Rome (Italy). From 22 to 26 January 2024, the annual online formation workshop for men and women religious promoters of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (GPIC) was held at various levels, in Institutes and Congregations of UISG and USG, the World Unions of Superiors General, on the theme: “The mission of GPIC: systemic transformation for the common good of all creation.”
The online workshop, offered in five languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese), was attended by over 250 religious from five continents, including Sister Lolia Pfozhumai, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, collaborator of the Youth Ministry Sector of the Institute and contact person for GPIC, and some FMA animators of GPIC at provincial and national levels.
The aim was to provide both the new promoters of GPIC and those who continue in this service, some necessary tools to stimulate the vitality of this ‘ministry’ and motivate the members of religious congregations.
The participants interacted with experienced speakers and facilitators from different parts of the world and from different life and profession contexts. Drawing inspiration from the documents of Pope Francis Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, Laudate Deum, and the Social Magisterium of the Church, which offer insights and studies to explore the deep causes of today’s challenges and encourage effective action, it was possible to understand and experience the importance of systemic transformation, both for people and for the planet.
During the course of the workshop, it was often reiterated that the complex social challenges require multidimensional approaches, which allow to face and co-create different solutions compared to the complexity of current systems. Ways have been explored to address the underlying causes of today’s problems, reflecting on structures, mentalities, modes, and dynamics of power, along with policies and practices that require change. The focus has been on the ‘ministry of GPIC’ for systemic change, examining systems and social transformations needed today to build a more just society.
The first day dealt with the systemic transformation in today’s world, to understand what it is and why it is urgently needed, to then consider the prophetic responses and strategies for systemic transformation from the point of view of gender and social justice.
The second day focused on the analysis of the systems and the challenges they bring with them. The themes of integral ecology and ecological conversion were explored; dignity and human rights from the point of view of the fight against trafficking; of the consequences of injustices on refugees and migrants; to conclude with a panel on the right economic systems towards the South of the world.
On the third day, there was talk of advocacy and its importance at international, regional, and national level, also through the study of some cases, through the enhancement of the UN human rights system, the large presence and strong participation of men and women religious in all the UN offices in the world.
The session on the ability to learn to support being a systemic transformation worker, particularly asked the participants for the relaunching of the responsible personal and community commitment of numerous Congregations and religious communities on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
The multidimensional and continental approaches to systemic transformation, the service of the International GPIC Commission of UISG and USG, the tools for collaboration and networking, field experiences for peace between peoples, Countries, and religions were the aim of the fourth day.
