Reflections on the Sisters of Charity membership of UNANIMA International

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By Sr Suzette Clark, Council Member, Cl&C

 

 

One Spirit
One Mission 
One Hope

 

 

 

 

The Sisters of Charity of Australia have now been a member of UNANIMA International for eight years, partnering with our sister Congregation, the Religious Sisters of Charity.

Sr Pat Kenny (then of the English Province) was the inaugural board member, then I took on that role after four years and now Sr Pereka Nyirenda (Zambian Region) will be the board member from 2019.

As I reflect on our eight years with UNANIMA International, I see it as a call and a ministry for both our Congregations:

We have seen a star in the north and it has led us to this space.
Variation on Matthew 2:2

  

Founded in 2002, its name begins with “UN” to represent the United Nations, and the “ANIMA” is from the Latin word for feminine “spirit” or “life principle”, indicating that the organisation is bringing the feminine spirit to the UN, and (as it brings to mind the word, “unanimous”) that it represents a group acting with one heart and mind and spirit.

Advocating on behalf of women and children (particularly those living in poverty), immigrants and refugees, and the environment, UNANIMA has NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) status and is connected with the United Nations through special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Because of this status, UNANIMA can influence UN debate by proposing items for the draft agenda, submitting written statements, and making oral presentations at various UN functions.

On the ground, UNANIMA’s unique membership consists of 21 Congregations of Catholic Sisters whose 22,000 members work in over 80 countries. UNANIMA brings the voices, concerns and experiences of these women at the grassroots to the United Nations.

Earlier this year, Sr Colleen Jackson did an internship with UNANIMA. Her comment echoes my experience at this time:
“This United Nations experience has broadened and expanded my understanding of the complex nature of poverty, human suffering, and sustainable development, and the global efforts required to create equity, justice and human rights for all.”

Highlights

One highlight of belonging to UNANIMA International has been the annual Woman of Courage Award. The honour is bestowed upon a woman who has taken a stance for justice despite significant obstacles, tremendous grief, or threats to her personal safety.

The 2018 recipient of this award is María Elena Herrera Magdaleno. María lives with the tragedy of having lost four children to enforced disappearances in the fallout of the Mexican War Against Drug Trafficking, which was organised in 2006 in order to fight drug cartels but unleashed a wave of violence, insecurity, and human trafficking.

Through this deep pain, María Herrera Magdaleno has transformed herself from a victim to a seeker of missing persons, a human rights defender, a promoter of unity and mutual support among groups of families seeking a loved one who disappeared in Mexico.

Together with her husband and remaining children, Maria has created the association Familiares en búsqueda María Herrera (Relatives in Search), which aims to “organise, embrace, strengthen and empower people [who] share the pain of the disappearance of loved ones. She has become a symbol of peaceful and tenacious resistance whose presence gives security and comfort to other mothers who suffer the same pain.”

The 2019 Woman of Courage Award will go to Mary McAleese, President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011, when she worked towards justice, social equality, social inclusion, anti-sectarianism and reconciliation. She now advocates for similar hopes in our Church.
Instead
The 2019 Woman of Courage Award will go to Mary McAleese, a former President of Ireland now advocating for justice, equality, inclusion, anti-sectarianism, and reconciliation in our Church.

In her letter of acceptance, Mary said: “Where do I start to say thank you for this powerful affirmation and from such a wonderful group which represents so many generous and giving women who walk in the footsteps of Christ. I am beyond thrilled that they see in what I have done and am doing a vindication of their values and vision, His values, His vision.”

Once again, Mary’s words echo my experience: the deep awareness of so many women throughout our world walking in the footsteps of Christ and extending his values and vision.

Another highlight has been UNANIMA’s focus on women and children. For many years UNANIMA conducted its Stop the Demand campaign, aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking especially for sexual gratification.

All Congregations in UNANIMA now have the eradication of trafficking of persons as a priority and many are members of coalitions such as ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans).

At a recent Board Meeting, we made the decision to develop a new campaign. Next year, UNANIMA will research the issue of homelessness of women and children, looking towards advocating for a UN definition of homelessness and a United Nations special rapporteur for homelessness, and raising awareness of this world-wide injustice.

This space of UNANIMA International provides the opportunity for us to walk with so many others into a tomorrow where our God awaits us and provides for us.

Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
– Mary Aikenhead

THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

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