News from Visitation Province

Zoom with Ruva … our new JPIC coordinator– March 9, 2023

Sisters and associates across Visitation Province enjoyed a half hour Meet & Greet with Ruva Gwekwerere. We look forward to working together and meeting in person in the weeks, months and years ahead.

UN delegates reach historic agreement on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters

UN member countries have finalized a text, a draft, to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Already termed the “High Seas Treaty,” the legal framework would place 30% of the world’s oceans into protected areas and put more money into marine conservation. UN Secretary-General -Antonio Guterres said, “The treaty is crucial for addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.” A UN spokesperson reported the Secretary-General also “recognized the critical support of non- governmental organizations, civil society, academic institutions and the scientific community. He looks forward to continuing working with all parties to secure a healthier, more resilient, and more productive ocean, benefiting current and future generations.” https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134157

JPIC Core Committee

Women Talking is the Oscar nominated movie by Canadian Sarah Polley. It is a difficult movie to watch because it involves the systemic abuse suffered by women and girls in a rural Mennonite farming community. While the men are away for two days dealing with sexual abuse charges, the women meet to talk and decide whether to stay and fight or leave, having ruled out the doing nothing option. A recent article in America magazine by Jim McDermott SJ provides a good overview of the movie and recommends viewing it as it illustrates the way religion can be used to imprison people. You can view his article here.

Kathy Kelly, Associate