On Day Five of the Symposium, we listened to some stories. Megan McKenna, a story teller living in Albuquerque, N.M. re-told and interpreted the Scriptural stories of Creation and the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. In conclusion she said: “This is the spirituality of the blood. It makes us friends with God, friends of the earth and friends of one another. This is why we must live and make sure that the earth is renewed and repaired, releasing it from bondage and relieved of its burden, along with the poorest of the poor.”

Before the festive meals- Eucharist and Almuerzo- which concluded the symposium, Fr. Francesco Bartoloni, Moderator General of the congregation, speaking for all who were present, thanked the organizers of the Symposium for their excellent work and the Mission of Peru for their wonderful hospitality.

Text: Fr. Bill Nordenbrock, CPPS
January 15, 2010

Megan McKenna tells us a story. (Photo by Bill Nordenbrock, CPPS)

“Our Missionary Responsibility and Commitment” was the title of the keynote talk delivered today by Fr. Barry Fischer, CPPS, Director of the International Center for Precious Blood Spirituality in Salzburg, Austria. He said that the phrase, “the cry of the blood,” which we often use to reflect on our mission in the world, is usually referring to the cry of a suffering humanity. He challenged us to see the need for an inner change of heart that allows us to also see and hear the “cry of the blood” in the suffering of a damaged earth- Mother Earth, as it were, crying out for our response.

Each evening during the symposium there have been social activities organized for the participants. This evening we enjoyed a wonderful cultural program of Peruvian folk dances performed by the faculty and student of the Colegio San Francisco de Borja.

Text and photos: Bill Nordenbrock, CPPS
January 14, 2010

Barry Fischer, CPPS delivering the keynote address

Today the keynote address was delivered by Sr. Sonia Matos, ASC, a member of the General Council for the Adorers of Christ from Brazil. In her talk, “What Does Our Spirituality Say In Light Of This Reality “ she noted that the an anthropocentric and rationalist worldview, when coupled with the “dominion” theme found in the creation stories of Genesis, has historically led to humanity viewing the earth as a product for our consumption. She invited us to reflect on the Trinity as a relational reality and to see how being created in the image of God creates us as relational beings which brings us into relationship with all of creation.

In addition to the educational and awareness building benefits of the symposium, it has been a wonderful time to share food and friendship, with old friends and new. The midday meal is served picnic style and in the evening, the Peruvian mission community has opened the house in San Borja to “welcome the foreigners” in their midst.

Text and photos: Bill Nordenbrock, CPPS
January 13, 2010

Sister Sonia Matos, ASC

The keynote address on the second day was given by Bishop Erwin Kräutler, CPPS, the bishop of the Xingu Prelature in Brazil. Bishop Kräutler has spent his entire ministerial life in the Xingu and describes himself today as a Brazilian who was born in Austria. In his presentation entitled: Evangelization 2010 and the Missionary Community of the Precious Blood of Christ, he spoke of missionary discipleship and noted that as missionaries we must all be citizens of la casa común, or earth community.

In addition to the daily keynote address and discussion group activity, the participants gather for prayer and the celebration of Eucharist. Each day, the prayer has a focus and celebrates one of the continent. Today’s prayer focus was on Africa.

Text and Photos: Bill Nordenbrock, CPPS

Bishop Erwin delivering his presentation.

Approximately 300 people are gathered from around the world for the II International Symposium- The Spirituality of the Blood: Our Mission in Defense of the Earth Community. The gathering is being held in San Francisco de Borja parish in Lima Peru, with participants from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

The keynote address on the first day was given by Dionicio Alberca Gauna, CPPS, a member of the Peruvian Mission. Taking his title from the overall theme of the Symposium- “The Spirituality of the Blood: Our Mission in Defense of the Earth Community” he outlined his talk in three sections. 1) What is happing in our common House (Earth Community)? 2) The Spirituality of the Blood response to the call of the earth. 3) The Blood calls and sends us to care for the earth.

Text and Photos: Bill Nordenbrock, CPPS

Fr. Dionisio delivering his address.