Presentation Sisters Justice Desk for Ireland and England

Just Work! And hope-filled collaborations!

 

I continue to be inspired by the work of the Presentation Sisters across the world, and once again I can see hope.

From the very first day at the Justice Desk, my work has involved collaboration between the Irish and English Provinces, but equally too, I was encouraged to reach out to others similarly engaged in the work of Justice, and to collaborate where our work and aims align.

As the chairperson of Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) I represent the Presentation Sisters who are one of ten congregations to come together in this work.

In RENATE I collaborate with upwards of thirty-six Congregations, and at Talitha Kum I am part of one hundred and thirty-nine Networks all working together to advance the cause of those victims who can be counted amongst those ‘furthest behind’. In all this collaboration there is the promise of hope.

One the greatest and perhaps most exciting opportunities that arose in 2024 was working with the Presentation Temporary Professed Sisters.

I met with them early in 2024 to help them understand a little more about the SDGs and how they related to all in our IPA world. Then later in the year I had this privilege renewed when I was asked to speak to the issue of  Human Trafficking and our collective work in helping to make a difference for victims. It is at these gatherings that I continue to find genuine hope.

Built into the Jubilee Year is the promise and hope of freedom for those enslaved, freedom from debt and rest and restoration of the environment. It promises to be a hope filled year!

Living in Ireland means that much of what I do concerns Ireland, but I have a commitment to working for the Sisters in England, and most   recently I have become a trustee of the National Justice and Peace  Network (NJPN) in the UK. (See image above).

I have been involved with the NJPN for several years on the periphery, speaking at their conferences, and also offering workshops on both the SDGs and on Human Trafficking. This year I was invited to join the NJPN Executive and was delighted to do so, as this would give real  purpose and weight to the work that I can now undertake for the Presentation Sisters in England. (See image above).

Brian O’Toole,
Director of the Interprovincial Justice Desk

To contact the Justice Desk, you can send your email to: presinterprovjustice@gmail.com