International Mother Earth Day 2025
Dear sisters and brothers, April 22 we commemorate the INTERNATIONAL MOTHER EARTH DAY, and as the JPIC Team of the Claretian Family, we share this material for awareness and reflection on a reality that necessarily involves us—as part of humanity and as a believing community, as recipients and protectors of the generous gift the Creator has given us in nature.
We are living in a truly complex and critical moment, as a consequence of how we, as a species, have related to our planet—with attitudes and actions that bring us dangerously close to the irreversible degradation of our “Common Home.”
As the Claretian Family, it is our responsibility to take a stand and act in the face of what lies ahead, inspired by the Christian message and grounded in solidarity—knowing that the most vulnerable are the ones who face the greatest challenges in responding to the environmental crisis.
May the Lord of Life enlighten and encourage us in this mission, in defense of life.
download document here https://www.somicmf.org/download/253/mother-earth-day/4606/eg-international-mother-earth-day-2025.pdf?lang=en
EASTER SUNDAY
On this important feast day in our Christian liturgy, the JPIC office would like to offer you a reflection by one of our many brothers committed to the poor and marginalised in this global village in which we live. This time it is Fr. George Kannanthanam, who has dedicated his entire life to the poorest and is currently in charge of the Sumanahalli centre, which he also founded, in Bangalore, India. He is undoubtedly one of the many prophets we have in our Claretian congregation, who help us to see with critical spirit the reality of social injustice and to raise awareness about defending its victims. I invite you to reflect on the Paschal Mystery on this Holy Saturday from the perspective of the victims and the disadvantaged, who are none other than our sisters and brothers in this global fraternity.
download document herehttps://www.somicmf.org/download/252/easter-sunday/4581/eg-let-them-rise-with-jesus.pdf?lang=en
Project 3 – Claretian Mission Day 2025
This project will be implemented in Kingandu, a rural village located 650 km southwest of the capital, Kinshasa. The local population primarily relies on agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and small-scale trade for their livelihood. The women of Kingandu, who are responsible for harvesting, face significant challenges in processing millet, maize, and cassava. They spend a great deal of time and energy on traditional milling methods for cereals and cassava. The amount to be milled can exceed 50 kilograms per day, requiring several hours of hard labor just to prepare a single meal, as fufu is the staple food for dinner.
This situation prevents women from taking better care of their families and engaging in other activities that could generate income for their self-sufficiency. Through this project grinding mill machines will be provided to the women. The objective of this project is to help them improve their techniques and strengthen their skills, reduce the physical effort required for this task, and ultimately enhance their living conditions.
Project 2 – Claretian Mission Day 2025
This project aims to help break the cycle of extreme poverty through education, awareness, and capacity-building, enabling
women to achieve sustainable livelihoods
and lead a dignified life.
Women in the Nazat region, like many in West Bengal, have limited access to education and, in many cases, lack alternative means to earn a living.
It is extremely difficult for women, especially those from
rural areas, to find paid employment since they often lack
qualifications and/or are the primary caregivers
responsible for household duties.
This project aims to empower 200 women in Nazat by
providing an adult literacy program and implementing
awareness initiatives to educate them about their rights
guaranteed by the Government of India.
