Last November 21-25, two major international conventions were organized here in Rome. The first convention was organized by our very own institute last November 21-22 on “Solidarity and Justice in Health” at the “Aula Magna” of Camillianum. More than 100 visitors and students attended the two-day convention from the different schools and health institutions. This is part of the build-up activity in preparation for the General Chapter in May 2007. Eleven distinguished speakers graced the occasion including the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. All of them presented a “life-situation” in dire need of healing due to gross injustices perpetrated in the global society especially against the ballooning number of the poverty-stricken individuals. The work or ministry for justice in the healthcare world is no longer an option for any institution, organization, congregation and the civil society to venture as a form of expression of their service, but, it is a MUST and an essential endeavor that every individual should undertake.
The second convention was last November 23-25 on “The Pastoral Aspects of the Treatment of Infectious Diseases” at the Vatican City New Synod Hall. More than 600 delegates, listening to the 35 provocative speakers from all over the world, attended this. Among the panel of speakers were Fr. Frank Monks and Fr. Jacques Simpore. The topics where organized into three major themes: the reality, the illumination and the action to be taken before this great menace to life. It was a bit surprising to hear that apart from HIV/AIDS and other STDs that are terribly blooming, TB maintained its crown as being one of the top five killer infectious diseases. All of them affirmed that the increasing incidence of infectious diseases (IDs) and other diseases is due to the current global socio-political, cultural and economic trends in our global society, which is predominantly characterized by a profit-hungry system, which is commonly dubbed as “globalization.” This system breeds social and economic disparity, ecological and cultural destruction and political dominance by the few powerful nations. It was in this context, that our pastoral initiatives must be reviewed and renewed in order to address this present threat of a “genocide” brought about by IDs. At the second day, all delegates have moved to the sala of the Pope for a 30-minute special audience wherein he addressed the assembly to be more proactive in undertaking this task of bringing the merciful love of Christ to the victims and to strengthen our solidarity to fight against IDs.
These conventions gave a great opportunity for the students of Camillianum to explore more avenues for learning apart from the classroom and to enrich our experiences with others who came from the different regions of the world with a strong commitment to bring healing to this severely wounded world. The rich information (statistics) that we gathered from those conventions reflect the poor initiatives and the “to and fro” (inconsistent) commitment that we have in the struggle of the victims against all diseases and injustices that murder them every second. Nonetheless, it continues to challenge us to be more active in giving hope and live with these death-threatened brothers and sisters, not anymore as a matter of choice or option but as an indispensable human responsibility.
No comments:
Post a Comment