SOA Watch Liturgy Led by Women Priests Katy Zatsick ARCWP and Diane Dougherty ARCWP, Music by Charlie King, 30th Anniversary of Efforts to Close School of Americas at Ft. Benning, GA.

"Father Roy Bourgeois started the first protest in 1989 after a massacre at The University of Central America in El Salvador. Bourgeois says the massacre was lead by officers trained at the former school of the Americas.After the school closed, the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation or WHINSEC was born.

Father Bourgeois does not distinguish from WHINSEC. He says it was an issue then and it continues to be an issue now and they are protesting to get the school closed down.

Father Bourgeois visited El Salvador to see how the people live first hand.

“When we were there we knew if we were living like the people here with our children. If we stay we die. So they’re seeking life as we would. They want to survive and that’s why so many of them are forced out of there countries in Latin America with a connection to what’s going on here,” Bourgeois said."

https://www.wrbl.com/news/soa-watch-protest-returns-to-fort-benning-gate-columbus-police-unsure-how-many-will-show-up/

SOA Vigil Liturgy Led by Katy Zatsick ARCWP, Diane Dougherty ARCWP and Janice Sevre Duszynska ARCWP (not in photo)

Charlie King - provided music 

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SOA Watch Sunday Liturgy, Saturday, November 16, 2019 - Columbus, GA: Called to be Justice-Makers (Liturgy written by Janice Sevre Duszynska ARCWP)

Opening Song

(Now we’ll read Sunday’s Gospel and the Writings of Salvadoran martyr Ignacio Ellacuria twice.  After the first time, we’ll go around and share a word or phrase from either that touches our heart. Then, the second time around, each person shares why the word or phrase was important.

This is the way of the communities in El Salvador, where the prayer never ends until everyone speaks because of belief that God is speaking through each person to the community.

Gospel: Luke 21: 5-19  (Inclusive Bible)

Some disciples were speaking of how the temple was adorned with precious stones and votive offerings. Jesus said, “You see all these things?  The day will come when one stone won’t be left on top of another-everything will be torn down.”

They asked. “When will this happen Rabbi? And what will be the sign that it’s about to happen?”

Jesus said, “Take care not to be misled. Many will come in my name saying, “I am the One,” and “The time is at hand.” Don’t follow them. And don’t be perturbed when you hear of wars and insurrections. These things must happen first, but the end doesn’t follow immediately.”

Then he said to them: “Nation shall rise against nation, and empire against empire. There will be great earthquakes, plagues, and famines in various places-and, in the sky there will be frightening omens and great signs. But before any of this, they’ll arrest you and persecute you, bringing you to trial before rulers and governors.  And it will all be because of my name-this will be your opportunity to give your testimony. So make up your minds not to worry about your defense beforehand, for I’ll give you the words, and a wisdom that none of your adversaries can take exception to or contradict.

Even your parents will betray you, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends, and some will be put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, yet not a hair on your head will be harmed. By patient endurance, you’ll save your lives.

Reading:

Ignacio Ellacuria, philosopher and rector of the University of Central America in San Salvador, was one of the key intellectual authors of  liberation theology.  On November 16, 1989, he and other members of the Jesuit community of the University were massacred by Salvadoran army troops. Here are three of his quotes.

The Writings of Ignacio Ellacuria:

Do everything possible so that liberty is victorious over oppression, justice over injustice, love over hate…

Every human being is called to solidarity in a world battling between life and death…

Always remember that there is no conversion to God if there is no conversion to the oppressed.

Prayers of the Faithful: What do we pray for? We pray…

Celebration of Eucharist

On the night before he died, Jesus met with his friends, broke bread and giving thanks, blessed it. Then he shared it with them saying, This bread is me. This bread is you. Serve justice.

In the same way, he took the cup, poured the wine and giving thanks, blessed it. Then he shared it with them saying, This is the wine of new life. Drink! I am with you always.

Communion Song – 

Communal Blessing
"Remember that you are highly favored,
Deeply loved, and
Greatly blessed."
Closed with and addition.
"May you go forward to continue to work for justice and peace in the name of
Jesus" Amen. 

Closing Song