2023 Convocation in San Antonio
Here’s a sample of what was shared at the Convocation:
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo: “That's the good practical work that this organizing does; it helps people recognize their solidarity and their ability to work together,” he said. “When you are a member of community organizing, the parish becomes electrified with agency. It shows in the world, in the city. I think that's what organizing is all about, and it's beautiful.”
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller: “Your life is seen in action. Theology is fruitful in action. Love of God is alive in action. And if we are not present, we are not being faithful to our call.” He continued, “We are called to be committed. All of us, not only the bishops. [Pope Francis] is leading us to a new way of being church: to be in relationship and to walk together.”
Elizabeth Hall (Lead Organizer, Bay Area IAF): "Recognizing the Stranger is a strategy to deepen and strengthen our capacity for parish organizing. Parishes are essential to human development, and engagement in public life makes us more fully human."
Bishop Mark Seitz: "When we were asked to enter into this synodal process, [...] it struck me, ‘wait a minute! We have these [IAF] groups here in El Paso. That's just what they do.’ It’s been such a synergy that we found working together."
Marta Villela (formerly an organizer in Guatemala and now a leader with Marin Organizing Committee): “I was blessed to be part of the IAF delegation who met with Pope Francis. I mentioned to him that I have been able to engage in public life - in politics - safely through the IAF organization.”
Ralph McCloud: "Heaven must look like what I see from here: people of different ethnicities and geographies and regions and age groups coming together to embrace this tremendous work. Thank you for allowing the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to walk with you doing this tremendous work."
[All photos by Alan Pogue]
Letter from Pope Francis to West/Southwest IAF
El Día Que el Papa Francisco Recibió a Organizadores Comunitarios del Suroeste en la Residencia Papal, America: The Jesuit Review
Para las Sesiones de Escucha del Sínodo, Obispos Estadounidenses Recurren a Organizadores Comunitarios, National Catholic Reporter
Capacitación en Liderazgo para Inmigrantes, con Apoyo del Obispo, Transforma Comunidades Parroquiales, National Catholic Reporter
Video Message from Pope Francis to West/Southwest IAF
Pope Francis Says Synod Should Hear 'Excluded' Voices, National Catholic Reporter [pdf]
A California Bishop Invited Community Organizers to Help with the Synod. So Far, It’s Working, America: The Jesuit Review [pdf]
Do you like this page?