College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
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A Fine Lady and Excellent Field Botanist: Sister Remberta Westkaemper, O.S.B.
No full textThis report provides a brief biography of Sister Remberta and an overview of her botanical activitie
Working Paper: The Role of Nafeer and Social Networks in Sudan’s Humanitarian Response and the Challenges for International Aid
Full text linkThis paper explores the integral role of Nafeer, a traditional Sudanese communal practice, and social networks in addressing humanitarian crises, focusing on the ongoing 2023 conflict. Nafeer, rooted in rural agricultural settings, has evolved to mobilise urban communities for emergency responses, while social networks extend social support beyond family ties, providing a complementary layer of resource-sharing. Both systems, decentralised and grassroots in nature, contrast sharply with formal international aid structures. The research highlights how Nafeer and social networks mobilise resources through traditional means, such as mobilising social capital and economic resources including remittances, and modern mechanisms, like crowdfunding. It underscores the potential for international actors to enhance humanitarian efforts by aligning with these indigenous systems in a conflict-sensitive and context-driven manner. The paper provides actionable recommendations on how external aid actors can engage more effectively with Nafeer and social networks, empowering local initiatives and bridging gaps in formal responses
Material Point Method computer simulations of the Tharsis region Mars forming from an impact-driven antipodal event: Program development and validation
Full text linkThe planet Mars has features that suggest uprisings could have been created by antipodal events driven by the focusing of seismic waves generated by impact. To investigate the feasibility of such a process resulting in observed features, we have developed a hybrid Newtonian dynamics-Material Point Method (MPM) computer program modeling impact to the surface of Mars, and have carried out extensive computer simulations and data analysis. In this first of two companion papers, we present the theoretical background behind the code development, remarks about program validation and typical visuals
A Pilgrimage From Hollywood to Haiti: Searching for God through Poverty, Prayer, and Action
No full textFrom filming the poor to living with the poor, Gerard Thomas Straub (gerardstraub.com) discovered a wisdom that can only be learned by living the Gospel in a radical way. He shares his story of conversion and his decision to love through select video clips from his films. He then weaves them together with reflections on pilgrimage, poverty, and prayer, inspiring participants to contemplate their own call to respond to God and choose to love in their own way.Gerard Thomas Straub is an award-winning filmmaker and author. He left a lucrative television career as an executive producer to put the power of film at the service of the poor, giving them a voice and introducing viewers to inspiring caregivers who chose to love them in radical ways. Gerry later decided to put down the camera and relocate to Haiti, where he founded Santa Chiara Children’s Center and Academy in his effort to follow the Gospel of Love more closely.Gerry’s résumé includes serving as adjunct faculty at the Pontifical Gregorian University, three honorary doctorates, 21 films, and 11 books, including Reading Thomas Merton and Longing for God in Haiti (available on Amazon), as well as producing television dramas on NBC, CBS and ABC
