Roma, 06/02/2006
Reverend and dear Superiors General,
I have the honour and privilege of sending you the included 'flier' announcing a special colloquium prepared under the aegis of the UISG/USG. A panel will present the conclusions of the UISG/USG meeting of December 12 -14 "Religious in the World and the AIDS pandemic, commitment, challenge and prophecy"
The AIDS HIV initiative is a fruit of the 2004 Congress on Religious life, "Passion for Christ, Passion for Humanity". The two icons of that assembly, the Good Samaritan and the Samaritan woman, were present to us during our days together in December. They speak to us with particular clarity in the context of the AIDS pandemic. AIDS is seen to be among the gravest threats in the world today. Although it is 20 years since the condition was diagnosed, not only is it not yet under control, it is actually still spreading in all sectors.
We religious responded to this threatening tragedy from its first appearance, looking after the sick and caring for their families, providing support and developing preventive health programmes. These works have been models for larger scale undertakings. The situation now demands that we broaden our approach to the fight against AIDS, drawing together our fragmented, institute based, efforts and further opening ourselves to collaboration with worldwide organizations. A survey is being prepared which will bring together and codify information about the activities of our institutes in response to AIDS HIV.
The colloquium of March 10, 2006, bringing together our Superiors General and religious having special responsibilities in the general houses, will give us an opportunity to share the experiences of our December meeting and to begin planning for this new, collaborative, phase. We believe that it is incumbent on all our member Congregations, each according to its charism, to contribute its experience and specific skills in the alleviation of so much suffering.
Health Commission
AIDS Group
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