On September 20th, a delegation from the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) took part in the Jubilee of Justice. This participation crowned a jubilee journey that began with the sharing of stories of hope—narratives of grace experienced in mission by network members working on the ground in Africa. This allowed for the sharing of the joy of the Gospel experienced in mission, even in the most challenging and difficult situations. Subsequently, a joint theological reflection was undertaken to discern what the Spirit is suggesting to us through these experiences, and to recognize and respond to the Lord’s calls to answer the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. Finally, participation in the Jubilee of Justice, crossing together the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, was an opportunity to celebrate the Father’s mercy and renew the network’s response to the socio-economic injustice that characterizes relations with Africa. (See here the Report documenting the journey)
As Pope Leo XIV emphasized in his speech, «for the believer, justice calls us “to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good” (ibid.). Its aim is to guarantee an order that protects the weak – those who seek justice because they have been oppressed, excluded or ignored.(…) [T]he Jubilee invites us to reflect also on an aspect of justice that is often overlooked: the reality of so many countries and peoples who “hunger and thirst for justice” because their living conditions are so inequitable and inhuman as to be unacceptable.» A passage that captures the spirit and action of AEFJN between Europe and Africa.
Bro. Alberto Parise MCCJ
