Uganda-based Catholic Entity Fostering “social doctrine of the Church” Wins Maiden Edition of St. John Paul II Award

Established on 7 February 2023 by “a decision of the Administrative Council of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation”, the Award honors “individuals, organizations or initiatives that, in their scientific, cultural and social activities, make use of the teaching or inspiration of Saint John Paul II and contribute to the promotion of his heritage in the Church and in the world.”

The Award recognizes “significant achievements” and also seeks to “support activities aimed at the deepening of papal teaching, the creative realization of the values supported by Saint John Paul II and the continuation of pastoral projects initiated during the pontificate of Pope Wojtyla.”

Established in 2006, JPIIJPC is an  initiative of Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), Congregation of the Holy Cross (CSC), Mill Hill Missionaries (MHM),  Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr.), and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Uganda.

The Kampala-based institution was inspired by the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of St. Pope John Paul II, “Ecclesia in Africa”.

In another statement issued April 22, officials of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation provide details about JPIIJPC.

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Credit: John Paul II Vatican Foundation

“The aim of the John Paul II Justice and Peace Center is the practical promotion of the social doctrine of the Church, especially that taught by the Popes, in particular St John Paul II,” they say.

The Vatican Foundation officials note that the five CICLSAL that founded JPIIJPC were “compelled by the wanton violation of human rights in Uganda; rising  economic inequalities, poverty; prevalence of violence in families and communities; the pathetic  situation of persons emerging from the two-decades war in Northern Uganda; abuse of workers’  rights; among others.”

“Inspired to witness the love of Christ in these situations, they made a deliberate choice to intervene collectively in the social, economic, and political life of Ugandans, thus,  the motto ‘Faith Doing Justice,’” they says.

The John Paul II Vatican Foundation officials add, “The vision of JPIIJPC is to have empowered people of God living in a just and peaceful Uganda with  a mission to promote awareness and provide creative response to issues of Justice and Peace in  Uganda.”

The Centre achieves the highlighted mission through various activities, including research, advocacy, training and collaboration with other like-minded religious institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). 

Credit: John Paul II Vatican Foundation

The thematic areas of intervention include governance, human rights, peacebuilding, social services, civic education and environmental conservation. 

In fostering human rights and good governance, the Centre seeks to enhance respect for human rights by Uganda Police Force through training and advocacy, and combat Trafficking in Persons and Modern Slavery through awareness creation, support to survivors and advocacy.

The Center also seeks to promote democratic practices and citizen participation in decision making and political processes through civic education; and promotes girl  child education through advocacy and awareness creation.  

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JPIIJPC is also involved in the promotion of integrity of creation (Ecology) through community action against environmental degradation and climate change by building the capacity of youths in environmentally friendly income generating activities and promoting green initiatives within church structure.

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