Dominican Family Gathers in Bogotá to Reflect on Justice and Peace
From October 12 to 18, 2025, the International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace (IDCJP) gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, for a week of reflection, prayer, and shared mission under the theme “Challenges in Approaching Justice and Peace as a Family.”
The meeting brought together Dominican Sisters, Friars, Lay Dominicans, and Youth from across the world to discern how to live and promote justice, peace, and care for creation from a truly communal and fraternal perspective.
Listening Deeply and Walking with the Marginalized
The week in Bogotá was marked by profound listening and heartfelt sharing. Promoters of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) exchanged experiences from their regions — confronting issues of climate change, migration, governance, and inequality.
“The days spent in Bogotá with promoters of Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation from the Dominican family worldwide became a time of deep listening and mutual affirmation as we committed ourselves to serving the marginalized—the last, the least, and the lost—amid the crises of climate change, migration, and governance,” shared Sr. Ameline Intia, JPIC Promoter for Asia-Pacific.
“One image that will stay with me is our climb through the steep, precarious roads of Altos de Cazucá; there the Dominican sisters and brothers live and minister alongside local community members who—despite informality, landslide-risk terrain, and longstanding neglect—boldly sustain their neighborhoods and kindle hope.”
A Family Rooted in the Dominican Charism
The meeting reaffirmed that the work for justice, peace, and care for creation is not an optional endeavor—it lies at the very heart of the Dominican vocation.
“It was a privilege to be with the Sisters, Friars, Laity and Youth who are members of the International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace,” reflected Sr. Margaret Mayce, DSIC International Coordinator.
“These are brothers and sisters who are deeply committed to the Dominican charism, to truth, and to the importance of engaging in the work of justice, peace, and care of creation as a manifestation of our Holy Preaching. This is clearly not an option! It is part of who we are as an Order. We will continue our reflections on the purpose of this Commission, and explore ways in which we can engage more of our members in this Gospel work.”
Renewed Conviction and Global Solidarity
The gathering also became a space of renewal and hope for many who serve in challenging contexts.
“This year’s meeting of the International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace has been truly inspiring,” said Sr. Philomena Benedict LeGall, JPIC Promoter for Europe.
“Learning about the challenges faced in different parts of the world, along with the openness and willingness to support one another in our shared mission, has strengthened our commitment to the work we do. This encounter renewed our deep calling to serve the poor and the suffering, as we shared our skills and experiences in a profound spirit of community. Gathering as members of the Dominican family has made me feel truly supported in this great mission, and I return to Europe with renewed conviction and courage to continue the work to which God has called us.”
A Spirit of Communion and Prophetic Hope
“I was deeply moved by the spirit of communion and hope that filled our gathering,” shared Sr. Jacintha Gracy Miranda, JPIC Coordinator at DSIC.
“Seeing Dominicans from all continents discern together how to respond to today’s cries for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation reminded me that our shared mission truly transcends borders. What stood out most was the prophetic courage of so many of our brothers and sisters working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Their witness of faith in action renewed my conviction that peacebuilding begins in small, faithful steps of mercy and solidarity. I was inspired by the collaboration across regions—especially the creative initiatives in ecology, migration, anti-trafficking, and youth formation. It was a joy to experience the Dominican Family—Friars, Sisters, Youth, and Laity—listening, learning, and planning together as one body committed to truth, justice, and compassion.”
Growing in Understanding as One Dominican Family
“I thought that I understood what it meant to be a part of the Dominican Family,” reflected Sr. Ann Pratt, the Order’s Representative to the United Nations.
“A week in Bogotá with Dominicans from so many aspects of the family—Friars, Sisters, Lay Dominicans, and Youth—helped me to realize that my understanding wasn’t nearly as broad or as deep as the reality. Spending a week with Dominicans who share the same deep commitment to Justice and Peace was deeply moving and gives me hope for the future. Working together with the other Commission members, it was obvious that we were all committed to helping the Family grow in its understanding that the work for Justice and Peace is a ‘constitutive dimension’ of every Dominican vocation.”
A Prayerful Commitment from Latin America
From Latin America and the Caribbean, Sr. Aparecida de Souza offered words that echoed the heart of the gathering:
“For me, the international encounter that brought together Dominican promoters of Justice and Peace from diverse parts of the world strengthened our common mission of proclaiming the Gospel through the defense of human rights and the dignity of life.
The importance of Dominican spirituality was highlighted as the foundation for prophetic action in contexts of violence, inequality, and exclusion. We renewed our commitment to the promotion of peace, social justice, and care for creation, inspired by the charism of St. Dominic and attuned to the challenges of our time.”
Her prayer beautifully expressed the spirit that guided the entire meeting:
Lord of Life, make us instruments of your justice and sowers of your peace; may we hear the cry of the poor and the groaning of wounded creation.
God of mercy, strengthen our commitment to care for our common home, and guide our steps along paths of truth, fraternity, and hope.
