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VINCENTIAN CHAIR OF SOCIAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE 2005

Foundation of a Civilization of Love and Justice

Saturday, October 22, 2005

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program:

8:30 a.m. Registration and Contental Breakfast

9 a.m. Welcome, opening reflection and conference statement.

Margaret John Kelly, D.C., Ph.D. Executive Director, Vincentian Center for Church and Society, St. John's University

9:15 a.m. "Signs of Hope: A New Global Consciousness"

The question of hope in our world today is a challenging one. Yet, living in hope and communicating hope is an integral and indispensable part of the Christian life. Sister Marjorie examines the global view of environment with theological principles as related to the human person. She compares this person-centered perspective with scientific and political perspectives, dictated by economics more than humanitarian goals.

Marjorie Keenan, R.S.H.M. , D.U.P., Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace, 1977-2001, scholar and author on peace, disarmament, and the environment. Her most recent publications are " Care for Creation: Human Activity and the Environment" and "From Stockholm to Johannesburg: An Historical Overview of the Concern of the Holy See for the Environment 1972-2002."

9:45 a.m. International Panel Response

This international panel will share perspectives on this new global awareness and its impact on the poor, especially within his/her particular region of the world. Each panelist will present signs of hope as the world economy and politics are globalized and will identify the impediments to hope, especially for the poor and among the poor.

International Panelists:

H.E. Prof. Judith Mbula Bahemuka, Ambassador/Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations

H.E. Ambassador Jose Luis Guterres , Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations

Hon. Oscar de Rojas, Executive Coordinator of the UN Secretariat Financing for Development and former Ambassador of Venezuela to the United Nations

Moderator:

Christopher J. Borgen, J.D., Professor of International Law, School of Law, St. John's University

10:30 a.m. Break

10:45-11:45 a.m. Discussion with S. Marjorie, Panelists and Conference Participants

Noon-1:15 p.m. Lunch, Networking and Exhibits

1:15-2:45 p.m. Workshops

3 p.m. Plenary Session: "A Vision Anchored in Hope"

"Gaudium et Spes" challenges us to view the "joys and hopes, sorrows and anxieties of the people of the entire world" as our own. We are cautioned that this is difficult, and may involve personal sacrifice and change. Bread for the World offers an example of strength, creativity, determination, and collaboration. The Founder of this great organization offers a vision of faith rooted in solidarity.

Presenter

Art Simon, Founder and President Emeritus of Bread for the World, the nation's premier citizen's lobby against hunger. His book, "Bread for the World," an analysis of world hunger, won the national Religious Book Award. His most recent books are "How Much Is Enough? Hungering for God in an Affluent Culture (2003) and "Rediscovering The Lord's Prayer" (2005).

4 p.m. Closing Remarks Mary Ann Dantuono, JD, Associate Director, Vincentian Center for Church and Society

4:30 Liturgy St. Thomas More Church

Presider/Homilist:

Rev. Thomas F. McKenna, C.M.,

Provincial Superior,Congregation of the Mission, Eastern Province, Philadelphia, PA

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