Society
Of The Divine Word

JPIC Coordinators of AFRAM come together in Kinshasa to deepen collaboration, share experiences, and build action plans for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation at the grassroots level.

From Vision to Action: Strengthening JPIC at the Grassroots with Faith and Purpose

Richard Quadros, SVD

Interacting and communicating across cultures and languages is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, this was made possible for us, Divine Word Missionaries, during the Four Characteristic Dimensions General Coordinators’ Meeting held in Kinshasa, Congo, from June 1–7. This reflects the beauty of our internationality and interculturality—truly, our name is our mission.</b.

In my interactions with the Zonal & PRM coordinators and specially JPIC Coordinators, I was reminded of the truth that justice delayed is justice denied. Peace cannot exist in the absence of justice; the two are inseparable, like two sides of the same coin. As Divine Word Missionaries, we are called to be ambassadors of this biblical legacy. Any injustice we contribute to—directly or indirectly—is both deplorable and condemnable.

Faithful to our mission rooted in the Word, each session began with Bible sharing and concluded with the Holy Eucharist. The AFRAM Zonal Coordinator and most PRM Four Characteristic Dimensions Coordinators were present, except for a few who faced cross-border documentation issues. The gathering fostered fraternity, offering opportunities to know one another personally and to engage meaningfully both within and outside the sessions.

A key focus was dialogue with intra- and inter-dimensional coordinators from various PRMs. Listening to their experiences in JPIC ministries—especially concerning issues like human trafficking, human rights violations, advocacy, eco-spirituality, and care for wounded communities—was both enriching and inspiring. These exchanges highlighted the value of collaboration, synodality, and a shared commitment to justice, peace and integrity of creation.

Three major takeaways emerged from the meeting. First, the importance of prayer, relationship-building, and sharing the vision of the Society of the Divine Word as outlined in our General Chapter documents—with passion and professionalism. Second, the skill of creating realistic action plans tailored to the unique contexts of each PRM over the next triennium. Third, learning from one another’s challenges and successes to strengthen JPIC efforts at the grassroots level.

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