by: Bro. Lester Antonio Zapata, OMI
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| Fr. Daniel Leblanc, OMI (left) & Bro. Antonio Lester Zapata, OMI (right) |
I had the opportunity to learn
more about Fr. Daniel’s work and I believe he truly embodies OMI rule 9-a which states “Action on behalf of justice, peace and the integrity of creation is
an integral part of evangelization. Responding to the call of the Spirit, some
Oblates identify themselves with the poor, sharing their life and making a commitment
to justice; others are present where
decisions affecting the future of the poor are being made.” Fr. Daniel does this with his UN work through Vivat International
and by working with his local community.
Fr. Daniel has been living and
working in New York City for about 12 years. He
is very close to his local immigrant community and has built strong bonds of
love with them; they often recognize him walking through the streets or riding
on the bus.
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| Bro. Antonio Lester Zapata, OMI (left), Fr. J. Antonio Ponce, OMI (right) |
On Thursday morning, Fr. Antonio
and I visited the United Nations and received a one-hour guided tour. We
observed how the UN operates behind the scenes and learned about its history,
and the role and importance of different UN Committees. Our tour guide also
explained the importance of treaties signed by UN members. I received a lot of
information in just one hour and grasped the important role of peace and
justice in the world.
Later on Thursday, Fr. Antonio and
I visited Vivat International offices. VIVAT International is a consortium of seven
religious congregations (Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, Missionary
Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Comboni Missionary Sisters, Little Sisters of the
Assumption, Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Priests of the Sacred Heart
of Jesus, and Religious of the Assumption). They focus on human rights issues particularly
in the areas of women, poverty eradication, sustainable development, and the
culture of peace. We had the opportunity to participate in a meeting with
various NGO committees working with indigenous people. The NGOs talked about their role assisting indigenous
representatives who come to the UN with their advocacy work and helping them navigate the ‘concrete jungle’ of New York City. They also talked
about the important role of elders as educators in native communities and
discussed future plans for collaboration.
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| 9/11 Memorial, New York City |
On Friday we visited the memorial
for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack where we prayed. We also prayed for the
victims of the Orlando attack. Later that evening, we were invited to have
dinner with Elaine P. Congress, Associate Dean and Professor of Social Service
at Fordham University. On Saturday we visited Central Park. I later went off on
my own to see the Statue of Liberty. On Sunday, which also happened to be
Fathers Day, Fr. Antonio helped Fr. Daniel with Mass. Afterward we attended a
small reception hosted by the parish for Fathers Day, then we were ready to return
to D.C.
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| Bro. Antonio at United Nations, New York City |
Two things about New York City surprised
me: the efficiency of their subway system (Apparently it is more practical to
use the subway than cars. I dream of the day when we can say that about every
U.S. city). The second thing was Oblate Hospitality. Fr. Daniel is usually very
busy, but he rearranged his schedule to spend quality time with us. As a result
we had the opportunity to know him better as a friend and an Oblate. As Saint
Eugene said, “Practice among yourselves charity, charity, charity and outside,
zeal for the salvation of souls”.
Bro. Lester Antonio Zapata, OMI,
joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 2010. He professed his first vows in
2015 and now is studying at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He
is spending this summer with the JPIC office in Washington, DC learning about
justice and peace issues.
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