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October 28, 1999 Xaverian Father Rocco Puopolo gave the keynote talk at the
Annual Meeting of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) which was held in
Washington D.C. The Xaverians are
members of this network as are many other individuals and groups throughout the
US who focus on Africa and the experience of its people.
AFJN members collaborate in the tasks of transforming the US mentality
and policy on Africa. It seeks to
be an instrument of education and advocacy on behalf of justice for Africa.
Since his return in January 1999 from Sierra Leone, Fr. Puopolo has
worked with AFJN in presenting the plight of Sierra Leone to the policy makers,
non-government organizations and Church personnel interested in bringing peace
and security to this region of Africa. AFJN
invited Fr. Puopolo to share his work with the total membership through this
talk, and at its conclusion, the president of the Board, Sr. Nancy Sylverter,
IHM, presented him with the Faith and Justice Award, given in recognition for
his advocacy work. Here are
excerpts from his Keynote:
Advocacy, Welcome, and Mission Spirituality
“When I heard of this year’s theme for our meeting, “Friends of God and Prophets,” it resonated with some thinking I was already doing back in March as I was settling in my unsettled presence back here in the United States. I had wanted to use my time while “waiting for the smoke of war to clear’ writing the stories of those still living, those unknown by most of the world, but who do courageous things to survive and assist others in conflicts like Sierra Leone. Many are forgotten people to the world press, but they are the survivors, the people who are the prophets and friends in times of danger. Naming them and remembering them offers mutual support for those of us who have come here and continue to be part of AFJN’s work of advocacy as well as for these remembered ones. The theme for this year’s assembly comes from a book by Elizabeth Johnson. It interprets the reality of Communion of Saints more from a stance of solidarity with these witnesses to our faith from the past (and present) rather than seeing them as “intercessors” for us in our struggle. As witnesses, they model for us friendship and prophecy, faithfulness and victory, often in the face of conflict and the overwhelming sin of humankind. Many are unknown, forgotten or marginalized due to gender or country. But we know them. And the inspiration for this title and approach is drawn from the Book of Wisdom… a fresh and dynamic approach to solidarity and community, rooted in the very spirit of God, arousing creative and living forces in the sharing.
These are two assumptions that frame and motivate my work. First I believe that the place and perspective we as missionaries take is significant. For the most part it is not in classrooms in urban centers. Rather it is in the remote and rural places of Africa. Urban and academic thinking and living removes one from people, their problems and the possible solutions,… and Africa for the most part is rural. There is something about being grounded in reality. If we loose the rural perspective, we loose the soul of Africa.
The second assumption that frames my work is the fact that Africa is still very much an unknown here in the US. How often do you hear in conversation, even with our benefactors who follow our efforts closer than average Americans, misperceptions on even the size of the Continent of Africa, the diversity of its countries, peoples and problems. Even as a Church, the number of US personnel who have served or presently serve on the Continent is much less than those sent to South America or Asia. Therefore, our missionary education and advocacy programs by virtue of those engaged in it, maybe less representative of the diversity of Africa. The US needs to understand Africa. And the cumulative experience of our presence in Africa by all in our communities is a strength and a value.
Having said all this, there are three areas where we can make an impact. One is the area of advocacy and education to government, non-government and Church personnel who are interested in Africa as we are. They need to hear the story from our perspective. It is a contribution that they may not find elsewhere.
The second area of impact is with recently arrived African immigrants. Often they need assistance in settling in and finding their place in our society and Church. Once established, they are as involved as we are with the developments and needs of the countries that they come from.
And the third area of impact which we can offer is related to the ongoing development of a Mission Spirituality of our Church. The suffering Church of Africa has something to offer the whole church, as it reflects together the issues of abandonment, the struggle for justice and peace, nation building, greed, the search for truth, the reality of war, the need for reconciliation, etc.
We are part of that struggle and can help extend the challenge and blessings of that search and experience to all.
(From Xaverian Mission Newsletter)