Participants of VIVAT's North America Workshop 2010

The first evening of the gathering included general introductions of participants and some simple sharing of JPIC issues from each congregation.  For this opening session, the OMIs graciously hosted the group at their residence in Washington, DC.  On Friday, April 16^th, the day began with a history of VIVAT International by Br. Bernie Spitzley, SVD and Sr. Judy Vallimont, SSpS,  who studied the possibilities of the starting a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).  This informative history was followed by a general overview presented by VIVAT Team/New York: how VIVAT operates, the issues that VIVAT works on, and the communities that are now involved with VIVAT.

Friday afternoon session, Fr. John Kilcrann, CSSp engaged the participants in a very interesting discussion on the spirituality of advocacy work.  In light of our various charisms, it is important that we construct a spirituality that integrates the thinking of our founders/foundresses with our present work in peace and justice issues.  The day ended with a presentation by VIVAT team members on how we can work together in our various communities.  Since we are now a strong (and still growing) NGO, it is vital that we try to work together as a unified voice.

The discussion on Saturday was the most interesting and lively.  We divided up into issue groups, based on the various JPIC projects of our communities; these issues were: immigration and migration, human trafficking (specifically, women’s issues), the environment, and integral human development.   After a good, long discussion in our issue groups, there were presentations on some of the key points of each area.  Some of the issue groups decided to continue their discussion and advocacy work by sharing e-mails and building a listserv.  This illustrated one of the many ways that VIVAT communities can work together.

In reflecting back on our experience together, some good bonding occurred between participants and communities.  This was a first step in working together as an NGO.  Hopefully we will be able to get together again in a few years.  The more we can work together, the stronger our voice for the poor and disenfranchised.

We the members and associate members of VIVAT International, from 8 religious congregations, namely,

1. DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES (S.V.D)

2. SISTER SERVANTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (S.Sp.S)

3. THE SPIRITANS (C.S.Sp)

4. COMBONI MISSIONARIES (M.C.C.J)

5. COMBONI MISSIONARY SISTERS (C.M.S)

6. SISTERS OF ADORERS OF BLOOD OF CHRIST (A.S.C)

7. OBLATES OF MARY IMMACULATE (O.M.I)

8. MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE HOLY ROSARY (M.S.H.R)

Working in Eastern Africa, Egypt and Middle East came together for a workshop at Dimesse Centre, Karen, Nairobi to know and initiate collaboration between the members and Board of Directors and executive teams of VIVAT, based in New York and Geneva.

We were officially welcomed by Fr. Eusebio Manangbao SVD, the congregational leader of the Divine Word Missionaries of Kenya- Tanzania and introduced to the workshop by Sr. Mary John SSpS and Fr. Gervase Taratara CSSp on behalf of the Board of Directors of VIVAT, on 11^th January 2010.

The second day, 12^th January 2010 was set aside to reflect on different experiences and challenges that we face in respective ministries. We went into different groups based on the countries where we work. The focus of discussions was Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) situation in our respective places and our response to those situations. Each group came out with its report, where various challenges like refugees, illiteracy, health issues, tribalism, economic injustice and disparities, legal issues, HIV/AIDS, environmental issues, women’s issues, etc were highlighted.

Fr. Michael McCabe SMA, a missiologist, spoke on the spirituality of JPIC as found in Caritas in Veritate, the recent document on social teaching by Pope Benedict XVI.

In the afternoon session, Srs. Mary John and Marina Cassarino, the JPIC General Coordinators of the Holy Spirit and Comboni sisters presented the tasks and challenges of the JPIC Coordination ministry. They explained on the importance of networking and collaboration.

In the evening we watched the film, ‘AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH’ a moving documentary film produced by Al Gore, former Vice President of USA, highlighting different causes of Global Warming. The sound message that each one of us got from the film is that we are part of the solution to the problem of Global Warming.

The third day, 13^th January 2010 was devoted to a presentation on VIVAT’s history and development by Executive directors, Sr. Zelia Cordeiro SSpS and Fr. Felix Jones SVD. They explained that Vivat comes from Latin word, ‘Vivere’ which means may he/she/it live, i.e. may all live. The presentations enabled us to understand the inner workings of Vivat in relation to advocacy and lobbying at the UN. We realized that the strength and power of VIVAT lies in the members at the grassroots level. This was highlighted through a well illustrated imagery of bow and arrow and networking gains its power / force from the grassroots.

In the evening the youth from Soweto parish, Nairobi, entertained us through a variety of Afro-fusion dances.

On the 4^th day, 14^th January 2010, the morning sessions focused on the themes of Advocacy and Human Rights, which were well presented by Fr, Gervase Taratara C.S.Sp. He also explained the meaning of the term ‘lobbying’, by which one achieves advocacy. He dwelt in length on the topic of Human rights and the functioning of Human rights council in Geneva, where Fr. Edward Flynn, C.S.Sp represents VIVAT. He gave a few vivid examples of how the NGOs could lobby for actions on certain human rights violations committed in some countries. He further mentioned on the limitations faced by like minded NGOs in bringing certain complaints to the attention of the human rights council at UN.  He reminded the participants that our contribution to VIVAT has the power to influence decision making process at our congregational level and so even at UN. We are all part of the solution to the problems around us together with VIVAT and other agencies working for the welfare of the humanity. The presentation was followed by discussion in small groups. We focused our attention on the most burning issues in the countries we work, the steps we take to face these issues in conjunction with VIVAT.

In the afternoon we made a remarkable trip to the UN offices at Nairobi, Kenya where we were received well and taken around the UN complex by an officer attached to the UN information section. We were also shown a documentary on the functioning of the UN at the UN press hall. Every participant appreciated the visit to the UN as it was a unique opportunity to know the UN. On the same evening, the participants gathered together for lively socials and shared lot of fun, snacks and refreshments.

On the fifth and final day, 15^th January 2010, the members were presented with a rough draft of statement and resolutions prepared by the special committee and adopted with some corrections and suggestions.  Then reports were presented on group discussions held on identifying the most burning issues in our respective countries of work, how we are going to pursue them, what kind of help we expect from VIVAT and what concrete steps we are going to take. Then we went on to identify one major issue that could be taken up at VIVAT for follow up. Women Issue and environmental issue emerged as major issues. Later the members proposed the names of four congregational leaders who were present at the workshop as members of the local forum. Then we did a simple evaluation of the entire workshop. Basically all members expressed positive comments over the workshop.

Every day’s session began with a creative morning prayer. The Holy Eucharist, celebrated in the evening enabled us to celebrate our togetherness.

The workshop was largely characterized by presentations, often with Power Point Presentations and also by lot of group work by way of discussions and reporting back. This enabled us to get to know each other, interact, understand issues at stake and thus focus on a unity of purpose.

Recommendations/Resolutions:

1. To identify the pressing JPIC issues in our respective areas and to forward them to our local JPIC contact persons.

2. We request the Congregational leadership of the 8 member and associate member congregations in the East-African, Egypt and Middle East regions to own up and take active initiatives to ensure collaboration among members and VIVAT and at the same time forward the same issues to JPIC Coordinators at the Generalate level.

3. Maintaining regular contact with VIVAT team by submitting reports on our JPIC activities and disseminating information to the members.

4. It is indeed a positive milestone of this workshop that a local forum consisting of the local congregational leaders to work hand in hand with VIVAT has been formed although on a temporary basis. And the members of the local forum are Fr. Eusebio Manangbao SVD, Sr. Helen Mwagwu MSHR, Fr. Alfred Grroleau OMI and Sr. Giovanna Squazza CMS. Fr. Eusebio will be the convener of the local forum. VIVAT is still in its initial stage, needs to be known and networking among the members should begin now.

By: Sr. Ruth, Frs. Samy and Mervin

The Congregations members of VIVAT INTERNATIONAL are the Society of Divine Word (SVD) and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSPS) (founding Congregations), as well as the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp) (full member), and the associated member Congregations: the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary (MSHR); the Comboni Sisters (CMS); the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ); the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC).

VIVAT INTERNATIONAL brings together more the twenty thousand religious women and men who work in 126 countries. These numbers, obviously, cannot begin to take into account the thousands of lay collaborators who make up a large part of the workforce that would need to be considered in order to give a true sense of the immense capacity of outreach.

The workshop was an excellent opportunity for religious and lay personnel of VIVAT INTERNATIONAL to meet, get to know each other, share their work and experiences in the field. It was also an opportunity to come to a better understand of the areas of concentration that those members assigned to the more international aspects of our work at the United Nations try to realize. This was also a chance for all to become ever more aware of the great need for developing networks locally, nationally and internationally in order to enhance the possibility of reaching our goals and objectives.

At the end of the week there was a clear sense that much had been accomplished and there was a great deal of energy directed towards starting the process of networking nationally amongst the member Congregations and with VIVAT International.

For the first time members of the eight religious congregations that form VIVAT International came together for a week- long workshop in Brazil. There were 40 participants. The workshop included a day on spirituality of Justice and Peace and integrity of creation by Alexandre Otter, SVD. Marcos gave an input on how to network for advocacy and lobbying. The VIVAT Team gave a full coverage of the vision, history, development, structure and activities of VIVAT international as an NGO and of the United Nations. These parts were interspersed by group activities. The workshop had two main objectives. 1.) To get to know VIVAT members in Brazil. 2.) To work together to foster our involvement in the JPIC apostolate and advocacy work in Brazil. The meeting elected a group formed by one representative from each congregation, which will be responsible to articulate VIVAT’s mission and Vision at national level. The hope is that the group, affectionately called as “G8,” can keep a network that can lead to a more united NGO body. Burning issues like, the situation of the communidades quilombolas, Raposa da Serra do Sol and Justice nos Trilhos, were addressed and taken up for further action at national and international levels.

Following the Workshop there was a two-day intensive program designed for people undergoing formation. The participants were from the founding and associated congregations. The program included input on the importance of JPIC already in the initial formation. Most of them were having their first contact with VIVAT‘s history, mission and vision and their participation and contribution indicate that they are a great asset to make VIVAT truly an areopago of the modern day in their local situation.

The sustainable socio-economic development of people framed within the ideals of Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation can be seen as an essential dimension of VIVAT activities. In the last two years, at least, five other religious congregations have joined VIVAT as associate members, and all committed to the cause of justice, peace and integrity of creation. These are the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), the Comboni Missionary Sisters (CMJ), the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), and The Congregation of the Holy Spirit, popularly called Spiritan (CSSp). All are seriously deliberating becoming full members in time.

The first joint VIVAT International workshop participated by a delegation of both full and associate members happened in Monte Cucco, Rome on March 11th – 15th, 2007. There were 37 participants representing the 7 congregations and working in 12 countries in Europe. The workshop included first the vision, history, development, structure and activities of VIVAT international as an NGO. The other second main content of the workshop was on the Structure and activities of the United Nations.

In the light of these two main parts, there were group activities that were intermingled over the entire workshop. These group activities reflected and reported on the present activities and set up of the participating congregation, and how VIVAT as a means of working together can help to foster our involvement in the JPIC apostolate and advocacy work. The meeting appointed a contact person for each country present and hopes to keep a network that can lead to a more united NGO body. The whole workshop was organized by Michael Heinz, SVD, Maryjohn, SSpS, John Kilcrann, CSSp, Marina Cessarino, CSP, Alejandro Canales, MCCJ, Maureen O’Mally, MSHR, and Oswaldo Firth, OMI.

The support from the major leaders of all the congregations that compose VIVAT International was outstanding through their presence at various parts of the workshop.