MISSIONARIES OF AFRICA, GHANA-NIGERIA PROVINCE
JUSTICE, PEACE AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION AND ENCOUNTER AND
DIALOGUE (JPIC-ED)
December 2015, Volume - 4.
EDITORIAL, By Prosper Harelimana, M. Afr.
Every year, the Church provides us with a time of
grace in which we are to prepare and wait for the coming of
the Lord. The time given to us is commonly known as
Advent. Advent means ‘coming’. During the advent season,
all members of the Catholic family anticipate, with a sense
of joyfulness, the coming of the Lord--the Word of God to
Earth and the continuing presence of this Word in the
worldwide church community. Advent comes to allow us to
check and cross-check our hearts to see how ready we are to receive the Lord in our midst.
Hence, Advent is also a time for renewal and conversion which ushers us into Christmas
season. For those in JPIC-ED ministry, Advent reminds us that the coming of the Lord is at
the same time the coming of our Peacemaker, the one we are called to emulate in our daily
JPIC-ED endeavours.
One may wonder why each year we celebrate Christmas. Is there any peculiar
meaning? Some may say: "Jesus came once for all" why keeping on celebrating his coming
into the world? Yes, they may be right. Reflecting on these two questions we shall realize that
Jesus came into the world--at Bethlehem, in Judea. He totally embraced the history of
humanity. He entered into the drama and brokenness of humanity to save us. In Jesus'
coming, God dwells among us. He pitched a tent in our midst to transform and give new life
to us. God took upon Himself the burden of our human history to give it a new meaning and
orientation. Since then, God is present in the course of our history. The only problem is that
we fail to see His presence among us.
Our common catechism tells us that yes, Jesus once came--embracing human history,
but he still comes to us in mystery and he is to come in majesty. Jesus' coming into the drama
of humanity is obvious. At Bethlehem, in Judea. The irony of it all, people did not see him as
their awaited messiah. He came and his own refused to receive him. They only saw a
carpenter's son.
Jesus still comes to us in mystery. During Mass, in the sacrament of reconciliation or
in other sacraments, Jesus comes to us. Jesus meets us in our villages. He comes around to
our homes. He still walks in the streets of our towns and cities. Whenever we encounter a
neighbour and acknowledge him/her as a fellow human being, Jesus meets us. Whenever we
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offer a helping hand to a friend, Jesus visits us. Whenever we bring about mutual respect
among those overburdened by discord, Jesus pitches his tent among us. Whenever we allow
love to overcome hatred, Jesus comes to visit us. Whenever enemies seek to meet together,
Jesus once again embrace the drama of humanity. The question we can
ask: Do we recognize his permanent presence in our midst even when
we are faced with challenges?
The prophet Isaiah had a vision of the Messianic Kingdom. He
imagined the way that kingdom would be governed. He describes how
the messiah was to rule his kingdom. The messianic leadership style
was to bring about the universal peace: "He shall judge between the
nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their
swords into ploughshares and theirs spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the
sword against another, nor shall they train for war again" (Isaiah 2:4). Christians worldwide
have seen Jesus' coming as the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy. We, JPIC-ED members fall
also under the same category. We strongly believe that through Jesus' coming the world was
endowed with the gift of Peace. It is this very gift we are to treasure, protect and share with
all those who are in need of it, without any discrimination whatsoever. The failure of sharing
this gift of Peace is among the root causes of social uprising, civil wars, genocide, tribal
conflicts, terrorism and environmental degradation with which humanity is faced today.
The time of Advent is a time in which we are being asked to listen to the voice of our
Peacemaker so that "he may instruct us in his ways and we may walk in his paths" (Isaiah
2:3). It is time not to harden our hearts, but rather to give heed to his Word. Peace will only
reign in our midst if we listen to the Word and make it our own. Peace never comes, because
people are not bothered or there is no war. There is nothing automatic about peace. Peace
comes when we accept to embrace a culture of peace with our eyes turned to the Lord who is
himself the Prince of Peace. For us fully engaged in JPIC-ED ministry, Advent comes to us
as a time in which we also listen once again to the voice of the Lord and re-commit ourselves
to our Christian mandate of working for Justice and Peace among peoples.
In a state of confusion, we lose hope and sense of direction. Advent is to end with the
celebration of Christmas which is not a commercial time, but rather a time for us to re-visit
our Christian hope and involvement in JPIC-ED activities. Through all the difficulties,
frustrations, and dangers of life, we should learn to depend on God. Are we aware that God is
indeed among us? Sometimes we carry things which weigh us down: resentment, anger,
hatred, revenge; maybe marriage has become a burden, no school-fees for our children, no
food, no money for house-rent, family-break-down and rejection, just to mention a few. It is
as if all is gone! Jesus’ coming stands as a perpetual sign to us that God is present and
protects us. God knows our fears and struggles. It is a sign that change is possible. We can
move from nothingness to abundance, from violence to peace, from discord to mutual
respect, from injustice to justice, from corrupt leadership to good and responsible leadership.
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On the behalf of Ghana-Nigeria JPIC-ED Team, we wish our collaborators and all
readers a blessed Advent journey. When Christmas comes, may we celebrate with joy the
coming of our Peacemaker among us. May we give Him room so that he may guide us into
the way of Peace. We hold in our prayers our brothers and sisters living under fear due to
warfare, terrorism and violence. May Christ our light, dispel the darkness brought about by
violent conflicts and injustice in our communities. May He bequeath once again His Peace to
our world today and cast away the dreams of hatred and revenge from our hearts.
NEWS FROM BUNKPURUGU : THE CURFEW IS STILL ON !
By AMANI BULAMBO Dieudonné, M. Afr.
I have been asked to say a word on the curfew situation in Bunkpurugu 1. I would like to share
briefly about some consequences of this curfew situation in Bunkpurugu on the population,
and then offer some suggestions on how to move forward.
Since its last violent skirmishes on the 12th of April 2015, Bunkpurugu is under
curfew, every day, from 04:00pm to 06:00 am. This situation of curfew in Bunkpurugu
township has seriously affected social life in the area : it has created a social-economical
paralysis in the life of people. People can no longer visit each other normally, because the
day is shortened and everyone has to maximize daily activities in a short time. A farmer, for
example, can no longer work more than five hours a day. Compound farming has been
prohibited for security reasons. And, if the majority of people in Bunkpurugu, since they are
farmers, can only work for a short time in a day, it goes without saying that one cannot expect
good amounts of harvests for this farming season. This implies that at least a sort of famine is
at the gate of Bunkpurugu. In fact, it has entered, because elderly people, who used to rely
solely on “compound farming” (they have no strength to walk long distances), are totally
deprived of the possibility of any harvest this year. Therefore, they will not have food !
Petty businesses and local trade also are paralyzed : business people can only work
three hours a day, since business in village starts in the afternoon. In my interaction with a
number of them, I have discovered that they are approaching bankruptcy because their daily
expenses are far more than the profit they get from their business daily. This is a synonym of
famine !
Furthermore, the inter-relational dimension of social life in Bunkpurugu is now
severely affected by a sort of “social suspicion.” For instance, a few people of good will who
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In a recent issue of our Ghana-Nigeria JIPC Newsletter, Prosper Harelimana shared about the situation of
curfew in Bunkpurugu. It can, however, be reminded that curfew was imposed on Bunkpurugu (from 4:00 pm to
6:00 am) by the Ministry of Interior of Ghana Government, after a violent and deadly clash between two
factions of the place in conflict over Chieftaincy, last April.
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can have enough and would like to share food with others would hesitate to help those who
have nothing, for fear that they be accused of poisoning the beneficiary. Not only people
from the two factions in conflict can be suspected, but everybody, because fear has found a
ground in the hearts of many : “our enemies can use different people to harm us.” So, the
situation in Bunkpurugu is deteriorating.
On our pastoral level, the same paralysis has a negative impact. A committed
Missionary can only serve up to 4:00 pm, after which he is not supposed to be found outside
his residence. Sick calls in evening and house visitations in evening, or any other pastoral
activity in evening, have become difficult2.
With regard to all this, many people are wondering when this curfew will be lifted.
One is not to forget that the imposition of curfew in Bunkpurugu is linked to a conflict
between two “gates” within the same clan over chieftaincy. According to a number of
security agents in the place, there is no visible sign from the two factions in conflict which
suggests that the conflict is about to end. The atmosphere is relatively calm since the
imposition of curfew, but some local people judge that although the curfew offers a
temporary “peace,” the real solution to the problem at stake is to be found between the two
factions… In my daily interactions with people, I get the impression that everybody would
like that the curfew be lifted, or at least its time reduced (Many wish to see the curfew moved
from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and from 6:00 am to 5:00 am).
There is surely a wisdom why Ghana authorities imposed this curfew : the concern to
keep a harmonious unity among the people of the country. But, how can the people of
Bunkpurugu respond more effectively to the negative impacts of this curfew in the place ?
Here are some suggestions :
1. While it is true that a conflict between two families is the cause for the imposition of
curfew in Bunkpurugu, I nevertheless think that the solution to this “curfew” problem can be
sought by more groups than the two
factions. Why? Bunkpurugu is
inhabited by people belonging to many
different clans and tribes ; it is a
cosmopolite township. I really believe
that if all the people of good will
(including some members from the
two factions) living in the area engage
themselves in a reconciling activity,
this curfew can soon be lifted. One of
the possible things to be done is to
Young girls getting ready for a peace march.
2
It should nevertheless be understood that in case of grave necessity, the security agencies are always available
to support us : we sometimes are escorted by police to a different village for Ministry, or back to the
House…when it is within curfew hours.
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have peaceful marches, clearly calling the two families in conflict to truth and reconciliation.
Let us quickly say that to reach this level, there is no need of being afraid. Fear paralyses !
And because the youth constitute the actively executing body in this violent conflict, the
conscious and convinced participation of young men and women in such peaceful
demonstrations is of special importance.
2. As far as this problem is concerned, a focus on youth is therefore necessary. Many of our
youth follow the will of their elders without weighing the morality of what they are asked to
execute by the elders. I think that when the youth would
reach the level of discerning (separating, distinguishing)
respect due to elders from blind fanaticism, they would
then abandon violent means of expression of one’s ideas
and always favour peaceful resolutions of conflicts.
3. That is one of the reasons why the Church in this area
is never to abandon the youth. As Missionaries of Africa
in Our Lady of Hope Parish, we consider our “Mission”
in terms of “Primary Evangelization.” In our Christian
The Bunkpurugu younger generations need to be effort to “evangelize” (ourselves and) others, we need to
well introduced to a culture of Peace,
take youth ministry very seriously. This implies, among
Forgiveness, Mutual understanding and
other things, creating and/or sustaining platforms for
Reconciliation.
sharing and discussion among the youth, regularly and
perseveringly. JIPC groups already installed in the Parish could be sustained and reinforced.
4. Indeed, every Christian should be reminded that commitment to Justice and Peace (and
Integrity of Creation) is one the dimensions of Mission; it is one of the ways we may and
should proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ !
5. If our youth get solidly formed in this understanding, I believe that the fear and suspicion
which are gaining more and more ground in Bunkpurugu, with the risk of dividing rather than
uniting people, would slowly be replaced by love of truth, unity and mutual acceptance,
which are conditions to attain harmonious coexistence !
May Our Lady of Africa pray for us !
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A REPORT ON A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON JUSTICE, PEACE, INTEGRITY OF
CREATION AND ENCOUNTER AND DIALOGUE (JPIC-ED) WHICH TOOK
PLACE ON 25TH TO 27TH JUNE, 2015 AT THE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
ASSEMBLY HALL WA, UPPER WEST REGION
OF GHANA
By Prisca DOMENYEVI KUUPOL BAGONLURI
The workshop was organized by the Missionaries of Africa(JPIC-ED) Ghana–Nigeria Province. It was attended by about
twenty four participants from seven parishes in the Wa Diocese
of Ghana with a moderator in the person of Rev. Fr. Prosper
Harelimana, M. Afr. who came from the Northern Region.
From the presentation, I was made to understand that JPIC-ED
is challenging and changing unjust structures in every nook and
cranny of the lives of humans. It is directed towards the
transformation of structures, policies and practices which diminish and destroy the integrity
of creation and the possibility of creating a true quality of life for all, especially the poor and
the marginalized in society.
JPIC-ED was established after Vatican II and every baptized Catholic has the responsibility
of JPIC-ED.
God's purpose is the need to respect humanity in the context of His creation and the
responsibility of man is to live in harmony with the environment devoid from the torments of
war, conflicts, violence and other activities of man that cause a great destruction to the
environment and the need for peaceful co-existence among human kind and the environment.
Also, that these would have a trickle down effect on mans’ relationship with our creator.
Participants were tasked to have a second look at our societal laws and social policies that
affect humans and the environment which have created a long gap of disparities in social
classes. We were also entreated to keep the dignity of God, of men, women, and children,
safe in all spheres of life. Members were also exposed to the fact that many people, especially
the poor and the marginalized in society, are harmed by human acts of cruelty or inactions.
We were also challenged by the realization that many more are damaged by certain laws and
social policies that fail to provide the poor and the marginalized with a conducive
environment which supports their human dignity.
The Workshop served as trainers of trainees, to create awareness of the need for justice and
peace commissions/committee in the Diocese and in the parishes. It was also intended to
assist the JPIC-ED groups to reflect and understand the ministry in the light of the Gospel and
the Catholic Church’s Social Teachings. The Workshop served as an eye opener to the fact
that members were enlightened on the need to involve others outside their respective
parishes. Though it is comprised of a particular parish group, it is also opened to all other
Christians and non- Christians alike whose work is to reflect upon the restoration of peace
and justice, care for God’s creation and foster mutual encounter and dialogue among people
especially those with different faith.
The Biblical connotation of JPIC-ED was not left out in the discussion; it was linked to the
rich man and Lazarus in the Bible. We were also sent through Isaiah 10:1-2 in line with the
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prophet’s call to change “unjust statutes” and “oppressive decrees” that deprive the needy
“robbing the poor people of their rights”. This depicts the fact that everybody regardless of
his/her race, religious background, colour, status in society, should be treated fairly and
justly. Another link was the Prophet Isaiah’s insight that “justice will bring about peace; right
will produce calm and serenity”(Isaiah 32:17).This urges us all as peace and justice
ambassadors to be peacemakers ourselves in our daily endeavors in life through the Psalmist
song “kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss” (Psalm 85:11) and others
like Micah's (6:1-7) call for justice and peace within the history of the relationship between
God and humanity and many others that space would not permit me to mention.
The Workshop also outlined some goals of JPIC-ED as follows;
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To understand JPIC-ED as integral to the Christian commitment
To deepen awareness of social injustices in our communities
To be able to realize the implications/consequences of the structures of injustices in
the lives of people we live with
To develop a respectful attitude towards the environment which supports human lives
To integrate in our spirituality the care and appreciation for all creation
To link environmental care with the culture of peace
To learn to work together, collaborate and network with others.
Participants were also sent through processes of forming JPIC-ED Commissions/Committee
in their respective parishes. These include;
 Forming a core group
 Develop a mission statement and objectives for the group
 Schedule a formation opportunity for the group
 Create procedural and meeting structures
 Choose issue to focus on
 Contact other JPIC-ED committees in the area
 Stay informed.
These were followed by some suggested steps for forming JPIC-ED committee in the parish.
They were;
Step 1; look at your own calling and motivation
Step 2;identify interesting people
Step 3;call for a meeting and invite interesting people
Step 4;hold the meeting
Participants were again sent through the rubrics of JPIC-ED meeting formation; how to set
clear goals, mission statements and setting objectives using SWOT analysis (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats We may Face).
For a better and comprehensive understanding of JPIC-ED, the moderator exposed
participants to images and films to depict how some humans can be so cruel towards others
and some other sufferings of humanity in regard to livelihoods. I do not forget that we had
sumptuous meals that followed each day of the Workshop.
All said and done, I must say that the workshop was really an eye opener to me as a person
and it greatly had a positive impact on me.
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BUNKPURUGU AGAIN ?
By AMANI BULAMBO Dieudonné, M. Afr.
Yes, Bunkpurugu again ! The way to peace and non-violent conflict resolution seems
to be long. In an earlier “sharing,” I was asked to offer my view on the curfew that was
imposed in Bunkpurugu after use of violence between two families in conflict over
chieftaincy… I offered some suggestions on how to move forward. The present “sharing”
concerns the current peace (or no-peace) situation in Bunkpurugu. The curfew has been
shifted. It is no longer from 04:00 pm to 06:am. It is now from 08:00 pm to 06:00 am since
the second half of last September (2015). Many people, especially those who do business
started to see the star that had disappeared from their eyes. However, what was slowly
becoming a sign of hope and a constructive/edifying development for many has fallen back.
The two factions in conflict chose to use violence again ! This is the third time in 24
months the Jamong and the Jafouk families use violence to express their differences over the
Bunkpurugu chieftaincy issue. The last time goes back to Sunday 29th November and
Monday 30th November 2015. Heavy weapons were used. One person was killed and many
material goods (including houses) destroyed. An important number of people came to our
House (Parish) to seek “refuge.”3 It must be noted here that two young men were found dead
on Saturday 28th of November 2015 at the
periphery of the Bunkpurugu township…
Security agents were reinforced in the
aftermath, and as at now a relative calm
reigns. We continue to cry to God to touch
all of us, here in Bunkpurugu ! Many
innocent people continue to suffer because of
a few people’s agenda. Although we can feel
a sense of powerlessness before such
unfortunate happenings, we will not lose
hope ! At the same time, as Christians, we
cannot hope in passivity, but we must be proFr. AMANI BULAMBO Dieudonné, M. Afr., on a peace march
active in search of a peaceful social
with traditional rulers and other opinion leaders of the area.
atmosphere in Bunkpurugu and in the world.
It has been observed that curfew per se is not the lasting solution. The fight of Sunday
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29 November was done, in its larger part, during curfew hours. I my first sharing I offered
five (5) suggestions, which I recommend, with a special emphasis on numbers 2 and 3. I
strongly believe that a change of mentality (mindset) in those who are still growing (youth) is
paramount importance. And for this, Christians who commit themselves to Peace and Justice
(JPIC-ED) as a fundamental dimension of Christ’s Mission in the world will always need
help, not only in terms of material support, but also in ideas.
May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us !
3
This always happens when there is fighting or rumor that there would be violent fighting.
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BUNKPURUGU TOWNSHIP ON THE BRINK OF VIOLENCE
By Prosper Harelimana, M. Afr.
Introduction
Recent violence in the Bunkpurugu township, Northern Region, which claimed 3 lives
reveals the underneath unfinished business between the two gates, Jamong and Jafouk who
have been confronting each other over a disputed chieftaincy. It is worth noting that the
disputed chieftaincy case is still pending in court. The Jamong gate strongly believes that the
current Bunkpurugu Chief, a member of the Jafouk gate is not legitimate to sit on
Bunkpurugu skin. One may ask whether Bunkpurugu is becoming a lawless township or if it
can still be saved from chieftaincy clashes. Certainly, peace is possible in Bunkpurugu.
However, it will only come about when the two conflicting factions embark on the road of
mutual understanding, respect, forgiveness and truthful reconciliation. Failure to do this, will
lead to the destruction of humans and properties.
Background
Some gunshots were heard in the township somewhere in August, 2014. Also on 28 th
September, 2014 other gunshots were heard. Tension continued mounting in the township
until the evening of 18th October 2014, when a conflict erupted between the Jamong and
Jafouk families. Two deaths were recorded (one male adult from each gate). Having lived
through these three occasions of gunshots exchange, Governmental, Non-Governmental,
religious institutions, Ghana Military and Police together with other security bodies, advised
the two families to co-exist peacefully and desist from offensive gunshots while the court
process continues. There was a relative calm until Sunday 12 April 2015 when another
conflict erupted. The Sunday 12th April event worsened the Jamong-Jafouk case. Curfew was
imposed on the Bunkpurugu township and its surrounding villages, starting from 04:00 pm to
06:00 am. Government offices and schools closed down for a number of weeks. Day to day
living became harder and harder. Farming and commercial activities came to a standstill. The
cost of living kept on increasing. Till now Metro Mass Transit Ltd from Tamale or
Bolgatanga does not reach Bunkpurugu.
Though curfew is not something one can yearn for, it brought about a relative calm. People
could try to work and accomplish whatever they could. There were no farming activities in
Bunkpurugu township this last farming season. People tried to farm in other surrounding
villages. It is now harvest season, a time in which Bunkpurugu people enjoy the fruit of their
labour, celebrate marriages and funerals. Unfortunately, on 27 November 2015, two young
men believed to be from the Jamong gate who were travelling on a motorbike to a nearby
town were attacked and killed by unknown persons. The police found the two dead bodies on
Saturday 28 November 2015. Sunday 29 November 2015, at around 07:00 pm, heavy
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gunshots were heard in Bunkpurugu township. The same gunshots went on until Monday, 30
November 2015 early afternoon. Security personnel found it hard to control the situation.
Three people lost their lives and over 20 thatch houses were set ablaze. Now people are
wondering about what is next for Bunkpurugu. Curfew which could have been lifted in the
near future, has now been strongly re-imposed on the township. Some government and
private sectors are seeking ways of re-locating their offices from Bunkpurugu to other secure
areas, such as Nakpanduri and Gambaga.
Peaceful solution
The Bunkpurugu township stands on the brink
of violence. Unless the two conflicting
families come together and find a lasting
peaceful solution to their misunderstanding,
the Bunkpurugu people will hardly experience
the advent of peace in their mother land. The
government may deploy security personnel
Thatch houses set ablaze during skirmishes.
needed to maintain peace, but it may not bear
fruits which will last if the two families fail to come together and smoke the pipe of peace.
Peace for Bunkpurugu lies in the hands of these two families. The moment the two
conflicting factions will humbly sit together at the same dialogue table and forge a common
future for Bunkpurugu, peace, unity and prosperity will prevail.
Having a close look at the Bunkpurugu skirmishes, one will immediately realize that both
Jamong and Jafouk members currently living in Bunkpurugu and those in diaspora should
strive and foster a culture of peace in their place of origin. The ordinary judiciary system
which normally seeks retribution, appears incapable of handling this chieftaincy case. Hence,
the need to see how restorative justice can deal with the Bunkpurugu chieftaincy case. Such a
form of justice will require a round table which will gather members from both factions, the
offenders and victims alike. Each gate will be given a chance to narrate its story and be heard
by members of both factions. Maybe it is time for all those having a stake in the Bunkpurugu
peace-building process to bring about such a round table devoid of all kinds of petty politics
and manipulations.
Conclusion
It may appear easy to acquire arms and ammunitions, but it will be difficult to re-build what
is being destroyed today. Today, physical elimination of those believed to be enemies of one
clan or the other may appear to be the quickest solution. Such an option does not bring about
peace. It breeds violence and hatred. It keeps people in a 'vicious circle'. Instead of acquiring
sophisticated rifles and lie in wait to eliminate the 'so-called enemy', it is time to make peace
with one another. Bunkpurugu should not be turned into a lawless township. There is need to
think about Bunkpurugu's future generations. What will they inherit from today's generation?
Hatred, resentment and revenge? Which legacy for Bunkpurugu's younger generations? It is
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high time to say a big 'No' to violence so that those being born today and those yet to be born,
may find Bunkpurugu a better place to cherish and live in.
JPIC-ED ST. BENEDICT PARISH, WA
OUR SLOGAN: NO SOCIAL ANALYSIS, NO JUSTICE AND PEACE WORK
By Mr. Vitalis Diedong
JPIC-ED St. Benedict Parish, Wa, continues to strengthen and revitalise JPIC-ED work at the
grassroots by involving other surrounding parishes from Wa Diocese. It is also monitoring
other parishes to see how far they have gone in forming JPIC-ED groups. As reported by Mr.
Vitalis Diedong, Co-ordinator JPIC-ED, St. Benedict Parish Wa, the list below is comprised of
parishes which sent members for JPIC-ED Capacity Building Workshop to strengthen and
revitalise JPIC-ED work at the grassroots.
1.St. Andrew Cathedral Wa.
2.St. Cecilia Parish,Mangu Wa.
3.St. Immaculate Conception Parish,Wa.
4.Queen of Peace Parish,Nadowli
5.St. Ignatius Parish,Lassie Tuolu.
6.St. Raphael Parish,Han.
7.St.Benedict Parish,Wa.
Each Parish presented three participants except the host parish recording fifteen members in
attendance.
The workshop was opened by the secretary of the PPC Mr. Eugene M Bamuna after a
welcome address by Rev. Fr. Clement Turreh who steped in on behalf of the parish Pariest,
Rev. Fr. Patrick Emukule. The Co-ordinator of JPIC-ED,St.Benedict Parish Mr. Vtalis
Diedong gave a brief over view of JPIC-ED in St. Benedict Parish.
Rev.Fr. Prosper Harelimana animated the workshop. He was simple and practical in his
delivery and so participants enjoyed his interaction throughout the two days. Fr. Patrick
Emukule, our Parish Priest has being very co-operative and supported all our endeavour. All
Parish representatives who attended the workshop were entreated to go and form JPIC-ED at
their Parish levels.
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DAY ONE
The day started with a morning Mass and about
8;00am participants had their breakfast. At
exactly 9:00am the opening ceremony was
conducted after a quick self introduction. The
resource, Rev. Fr. Prosper Harelimana took the
floor. In his first topic he gave us the history of
JPIC and why its work should be taken
seriously. He did this with showing of videoclips where we saw practical injustices being
Some participants during a group discussion.
perpetuated in the society. The Biblical basis of
justice and Peace was also discussed exemplifying the role of faith in Justice and Peace
work. After coffee break we went into group work to identify injustices in our society, their
causes and their solutions. Groups presentation were made and closed around 3:00 pm for
lunch and retired for the day.
DAY TWO
The day started with a recap of what we learnt the previous day led by Mr. Vitalis Diedong
after an opening prayer led by Mr. Wilson Aziparek. Then Fr. Prosper took us through the
Catholic Social Teachings as well as the principles of the Catholic Social Teachings of the
Church. He also gave us tit-bits about the formation of JPIC-ED groups in our various
parishes. The challenges one is likely to encounter were as well discussed. At about 2:30pm
we closed the workshop with photocopies of handouts for future use.
JPIC-ED St. Benedict Parish, strongly believes that "No Social Analysis, No Justice and
Peace Work". For there is always a need for JPIC-ED members to train or equip themselves
with skills which will enable them to do their work effectively and efficiently.
Justice and Peace is directed towards the transformation of structures, policies and
practices which diminish and destroy the integrity of creation, and the possibility of a true
quality of life for all, especially the poor and the marginalized.
GHANA-NIGERIA PROVINCE JPIC-ED
MISSIONARIES OF AFRICA
P.O BOX 1946 U.I.P.O,
NIGERIA.
E-MAIL: [email protected]
MISSIONARIES OF AFRICA
P.O BOX TL 458,
GHANA.
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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