Report of De Las Casas conference 2005

The following article will be published in the December issue of the PhilDom (Philippine Dominican Province) newsletter.

OP Justice, Peace and Care of Creation Commission

Two Hundred participants attended the De Las Casas Conference on Justice, Peace and Care of Creation 2005 in Aquinas School, San Juan M.M. last November 19, 2005. The aim of the conference is to inform participants of contemporary J&P issues in the Philippines and inspire them to take action at the local level. The participants are all members of the Dominican Family which is comprised of Priests, Brothers, Nuns, Sisters and Lay Dominicans.

Mr. Edmund Ruga from the CBCP Commission on Migrant and Itinerant People presented migration as an emerging social issues that needs to be addressed by the church. He challenges the participants to be involved in Church Response and Intervention regarding the issues of migrants. Mrs. Cecilia Oebanda, the resource speaker from the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., passionately shared her experiences on issues concerning the trafficking of women and children. Discussion focuses on 1.) The Empowerment for Domestic Helper, 2. ) Protection and Justice for Victims of Trafficking, and 3.) Sustainable Development for Migrant Working Children and their Families. Deacon Mario Van Loon inspired the congregation with his simple and even graphic yet profound approach to Justice and Peace Spirituality. What he says resound deeply with our experiences in promoting justice and peace that makes us humbly say yes for the promotion of JPCC. This is evident from the reactions and resolve of the participants. What’s next? The OP family JPCC promoters resolve to find ways to re-echo and put into action the realizations from the De Las Casas Conference 2005 in the parish, school and convent level. Thank you very much for your unwavering support. More power to OPJPCC Commission.

In Christ through Mary,

JPCC