8:30 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Bent Hall
9 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Reflection
Sr. Margaret John Kelly, D.C., Ph.D., Executive Director,
Vincentian Center for Church and Society, St. John’s University
9:15 a.m.
Keynote: “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. Sr. 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 publication
is 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
Each panelist shares his/her views on this new global awareness and
its impact on the poor, especially within his/her particular region
of the world.
H.E. Prof. Judith Mbula Bahemuka,
Ambassador/Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Kenya to
the United Nations
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
10:30 a.m.
Break
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Discussion with
Sr. Marjorie Keenan, Panelists and Conference Participants
Noon
Lunch, Networking and Exhibits
1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Concurrent Workshops
The workshops provide an opportunity for dialogue among
participants following a presentation. Concepts will be discussed
along with projects/programs that provide models of hope to
overcome the negative forces of culture, poverty and injustice.
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 human solidarity.
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).
Sr. Margaret John Kelly, D.C. - Closing Remarks
4:30 p.m.
Eucharistic Liturgy in St. Thomas More Church
Rev. Thomas F. McKenna, C.M., Provincial Superior, Congregation
of the Mission, Eastern Province, Philadelphia, PA - Homilist