Religious Sisters of Mercy

Justice and Peace Program

A process of experiencing a graduated exposure and immersion among various groups and sectors of society who are poor, deprived and oppressed in order for the sisters to come to an experiential understanding of their situation. Through reflection and dialogue it is hoped that the sisters grow in the ability to listen, to courageously respond through the mercy charism enfleshed in each sister.

Each sister, in order to be effective in her ministry, must undergo at specific times deeper and relevant formation according to the needs of her service.

RSM Exposure-Reflection Program (A Real Life Encounter with the Poor)

"There should be periodic and systematic exposure to the context of the poor and needy. Such a process of contextualization will help engender the development of a love of preference for the poor"
(#642 PCP II)

Rationale

Jesus is the model of MERCY and compassion for the poor and needy. His bias was clearly manifested in his actions, i.e. towards the outcasts and marginalized in society. In the formulated formation program of the congregation it is stipulated, the importance of exposure for the sisters undergoing initial formation as well as for the ongoing formation of sisters. The Second Plenary Council (PCP II) #642 speaks forcefully about this. In view of this the RSM aspires to be true to her relevant role of contributing to the building of solidarity with the poor through its EXPOSURE-REFLECTION PROGRAM, in fidelity to their foundress' saying "The poor need help today, not next week". (Ven. Catherine McAuley)

Vision

A Philippine society where the poor, the sisters, other church people and sectors of society work together to build a community of people where there is mercy, peace, justice, freedom and integrity of God's creation.

Mission

The RSM shares and participates in the liberating mission of Christ to build the 'Church of the Poor', therefore we commit ourselves to:

1. raise the consciousness and inspire the sisters and other church people to work in solidarity with the poor people's hopes and aspirations so that they can together build a transformed society
2. acknowledge and advocate the dignity and the significant role of the poor and recognize their equal share in shaping a transformed society
3. coordinate and support other groups and organizations working for the welfare and betterment of the poor, deprived, oppressed and exploited

Goal

To deepen the mercy spirituality and commitment of the sisters in working with the poor as integral part of the mercy charism. From this experience, together with other sisters and other church people, they can pool their aspirations and ideas towards the implementation of plans and programs that will serve the needs of the poor.

Objectives

To provide venue and services for the sisters and other church people:

1. to see, feel and be touched by the poor people's real life situations and struggles in different milieu: family, urban poor community (squatters), factory, rural poor community, and fishing community; through direct contact and interaction and dialogue of life.
2. to reflect on and deepen these realizations and experiences and relate these to their inner self and expression of Christian faith.
3. to pose an authentic challenge to respond and build solidarity among RSMs and other church people (i.e. religious, clergy, lay) for and with the struggles and aspirations of the poor for total human development.
4. to relate realizations and reflections with the life situation and struggle of other poor people to the situation of the Filipino people vis-à-vis the national and global situation.

The Process

I. Preparation-Orientation Phase

Organization of Mechanics and Logistics
Preparation of Exposure-Immersion Facilitators, Guides and Hosts
Information-Orientation of Participants

II. Exposure-Immersion Phase

Orientation of Participants to Exposure-Immersion Area
Contact-Dialogue with Individuals, Families and Groups
Reflection-Writing of day-to-day experiences and realizations

III. Reflection-Integration Phase

Group Reflection-Synthesis of experiences and sharing
Reflection-Processing and Deepening
Exposure-Immersion Follow-up

Preferences

• Urban poor communities in Tacloban
• Vendors at the Tacloban market
• Rural poor communities and farmers
• Factory workers (in Pasar, Philphos, Pnoc, Peschem)
• Fishermen
• Women entertainers at disco pubs in Tacloban
• Environmental degradation (in Isabel, San Isidro and air pollution in Tacloban and Tanauan)

Exposure Areas

• Tacloban City: Sea Wall District and market site and disco pubs for women entertainers
• Isabel, Leyte: Pasar and Philphos; fisherfolks
• San Isidro, Leyte: farmers and environmental situation
• Tanauan, Leyte: air pollution