Catholic Cultural Diversity

MARCH 2010 

 

When the Border Patrol changes shifts, you're going to run

The mission of the Church worldwide is a poignant reminder of the enormous, rich cultural diversity which is ours. In the USA, we will be seeing much more of this as the US Bishops continue to advocate for immigration reform. Through many dioceses, there are stepped up efforts.

Hear the story of Blanca Alvarez told to her daughter Connie from Storycorps.com

 

 

God's Point with Cultural Diversity

The Church's focus on diversity is rooted in the inner life of God as we have come to know him in the Scriptures, as God has revealed himself to us. We are told that "God is love." Love is about reaching out to another. The inner-life of God is trinitarian - it consists of a mutual giving and receiving among the three divine persons. Human beings we are told are "made in God's image." So we are also about love and our godliness consists just like God's in reaching out to others in mutual giving and receiving. Now otherness is about difference not sameness. So when we close ourselves off from others, from those who are "different," we cease being like God.  More...

 

The US Bishops' Campaign for Immigration Reform 

On Sunday, March 21st, thousands of people will converge on the National Mall to urge our members of Congress to introduce and pass immigration reform legislation. With the expectation that comprehensive immigration reform could soon be considered by Congress, it is crucial that supporters of reform make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. Anyone that cannot attend the March 21st events can still take action in support of reform by sending electronic postcards to your members of Congress postcard.

Immigration 101
Parish Kits
Advocate Immigration through Catholic Relief Services

 

 

The Latino Mural Tradition

Murals have emerged as an important public art style in communities throughout the United States. Outdoor murals often bring beauty into decaying neighborhoods and provide a vehicle for social expression.

The art form grew out of various Latino traditions, including the fresco work of Mexican artist Diego Rivera and the practice of urban graffiti tagging.

Take a Photo Tour of Selected Murals Across the USA
Learn more of the Latino Mural Tradition 

 

World Culture: Ali & Toumani

In their final studio session together, master musicians Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté, internationally known musicians from Mali, West Africa, recorded this intense and moving collection of songs. This album is like bathing in a warm pool imbued with magical, healing powers that are diffused through lives lived and lessons learned. It's an acoustic encounter between two Malian master musicians of different generations where the modern sensibilities flow in unison with the echoes of the ancient Manding empire. 

Check the You Tube Short Film on their session

 

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This World Report aims to become a reference tool for cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is the development of intercultural skills, the search for an antidote to expressions of cultural isolationism, the road towards new forms of governance, the lever of the effective exercise of universally recognized human rights and a means to reduce imbalances and injustice.
Download the Executive Summary

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Church Teaching on Global Mission

• To the Ends of the Earth, US Bishops 
• Teaching the Spirit of Mission, US Bishops 
• Best Practices in Teaching Mission, US Bishops 
• Mission of the Redeemer, John Paul II
• World Mission 2009, Benedict XVI

Xaverian Mission Links

Official Website
Xaverian Mission Blog
Xaverian Mission Newsletter

Mission Networking

• Facebook 
• Flickr 
• YouTube

 

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NO BORDERS:

PASSION FOR CHRIST -
PASSION FOR HUMANITY

Contact:

Fr. Carl Chudy, SX
St. Francis Xavier Missionaries
12 Helene Court
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-942-2975
Email us
Xaverian Missionaries Website
Check the Xaverian Blog

 

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