Exercising Citizenship

Many Maryknollers are on their way to Washington, DC today to participate in one of our Centennial events, Maryknoll on the Hill. 

"For many years, the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns (MOGC) has brought the lived experience of Maryknoll missioners and the people with whom they live and work to the decision-making tables in our nation’s capital. The authentic understanding that Maryknoll brings to discussions of international policy is deeply respected by our colleagues and by lawmakers alike. We hope that a significant presence by the entire Maryknoll family will raise awareness of the critical issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation, and also will illuminate the work of the MOGC and its efforts on behalf of the Maryknoll community."

I'm not going to Washington, but I am hoping to do my part from home.  During the next few days, I hope to spend some extra time reflecting on my values and legislation that is (or should be) on the table to help bring about justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

In the Maryknoll Sisters family, we treasure a phrase, no two alike. 
We don't do everything the same, or see everything the same. 

However, whatever our differences may be, exercising responsible citizenship is important.  We can all easily see the problems when only big business interests communicate effectively with our legislative decision makers.

Here's one area you could have an opinion on:  violence against women.  Learn more and consider taking action here:  http://www.maryknollogc.org/social/VAWA_2012.html

Maryknollers in Washington will focus on issues that have become important to us because of their signficant impact on the peoples around the world with whom we work. 

What are the issues that are important to you?  "Think global, act local" is a good adage.  Or I like to hope that I am learning to be like Mother Mary Joseph, the founder of the Maryknoll Sisters, a person with a world wide heart.