“Don’t Speak of Us Without Us”
When my Congregation – Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) – appointed me as a representative to VIVAT International in New York and the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) in Washington DC, I knew I was stepping into a mission that unites faith with action. Our Congregation understands how global decisions shape the lives of those we serve, and we believe in the vital advocacy of both VIVAT and AFJN to bring Gospel values into the world’s policy spaces.
My internship began on January 8, 2025, under the guidance of Sr. Marides Santos SSpS, Fr. Paul Rahmat SVD, and Fr. Daniel LeBlanc OMI. They helped me navigate the UN system—securing my ground pass and introducing me to VIVAT’s work at the heart of global advocacy. I participated in both in-person and virtual meetings, including sessions of Religious at the UN (RUN), Civil Society NGO Forums, and major UN events such as the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
With Fr. Paul’s support, I also reached out to grassroots communities to gather input for the CSocD63 survey and helped prepare for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in June 2025.
Lessons from the Journey
Personal Conversion and Commitment
This experience deepened my call to solidarity. Listening to advocates—religious and lay—from Argentina, West Papua, Guatemala, and beyond, I rediscovered the beauty of God’s call to stand with the vulnerable. Advocacy has become an integral part of my ministry—in formation, preaching, and daily pastoral life.
Unity in Diversity
At VIVAT, no one advocates alone. The spirit of teamwork among diverse communities shows how collective action can restore dignity, peace, and care for our common home. This is truly a ministry of inclusion, where every voice matters.
Resilience and Patience
Advocacy work taught me that transformation takes time. I’ve learned to trust God’s rhythm—to let progress unfold through grace, not haste.
“Don’t Speak of Us Without Us”
An Indigenous delegate at the UN reminded us powerfully: “Don’t speak of us without us.” True advocacy ensures people speak for themselves, from where they stand. Our role is to walk beside them, amplify their voices, and create spaces for them to be heard—just as VIVAT and the Franciscans have done for West Papua.
This internship has been a journey of faith and awakening. I return to my ministry renewed—committed to living the mission of prophecy, advocacy, and solidarity wherever voices need to be heard.
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