Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday February 6th 2010 a group of Sisters of Charity from Los Angeles walked 27 blocks, or 3 miles, with umbrellas bearing signs “Stop Human Trafficking” to raise awareness about human trafficking.  They also wore white face masks symbolizing the forced silence of those enslaved.  Sisters Marsha Moon, Francis Maria, Kathleen Newell and Kathleen Bryant all participated in making signs and walking the route with several other religious congregations and their associate members. 

Sr. Edith Prendergast, RSC was honored on Saturday February. 6, 2010 at the First Bi-Annual Concern America Integrity Award Ceremony named in memory of John O’Donohue. 
One of John’s fond quotes,  “The duty of privilege is absolute integrity”  was borne out of his reflection of the apparent disparity in our world today and our duty to make a difference in the lives of the poor.

The Elders (see the ‘Featured video’ below) are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

This wave was special though, it was created by people attempting to draw attention to Climate Change prior to the Copenhagen meeting. 50,000 campaigners from over 100 different organisations marched as part of The Wave on 5 December. It was the biggest ever UK climate change march.
To read more about it go to the RSC English/Scottish Province website.

Catholic Relief Services personnel in Haiti are struggling to ensure that it’s 300 staff members are safe and accounted for.  They are also beginning the work of bringing relief supplies to the millions affected by this week's earthquake.
You may like to join in the following Reflection and Prayers which come from CRS via the Justice Desk of the Sisters of St Joseph of Orange, California.

The National Catholic Reporter has published a five-part essay by Immaculate Heart of Mary Sr. Sandra Schneiders, Professor of New Testament Studies and Christian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.   The essay, titled “Religious Life as Prophetic Life Form” explores the meaning of religious life today and comes during a controversial three-year Vatican study of U.S. women religious congregations.

Like most Americans, our sisters in California celebrated the traditional feast of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26th with turkey, pumpkin pies, squashes and endless dishes shared with family and friends. 
However, in these times of global recession it is wonderful to see some Americans celebrating Thanksgiving by feeding those who are truly hungry.  

The United Nations has declared today, 25 November 2009, as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Gender-based violence is devastating the lives of millions of women at home and throughout the world, as their rights and dignity are denied and violated in horrific ways that include rape and sexual violence, domestic violence and the denial of their freedom and right to participate in society.  

Karen Armstrong, author of “The Case for God” joins with a multi-national Council of Religious Leaders to bring Compassion back to the Heart of Society.
Karen Armstrong, winner of the 2008 TED prize, along with religious leaders from around the world, gathered on November 12, 2009, to unveil the Charter for Compassion.

Here is some news from California where one of our sisters is involved in such diverse ministries as the RCIA, feeding the homeless and a spirituality circle.