“Where One Is, We All Are”— Monica Matthews, SHCJ interviews Cecilia Nya, SHCJ about her ministry at the Good Shepherd Peace Center in war-torn South Sudan (Click here to download a booklet on “Active Non-violence” produced by the Christian churches in South Sudan)
How can Catholics and people of good will answer the Gospel call: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”?
How can the biblical call to justice and peace, Catholic social teaching, and moral principles on the use of force help us assess and respond to the horrific violence we see across the world today?
What is the role of communities of faith, universities, and individuals in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and healing in our broken world?
In a world fractured by terrible violence, from Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and other places, the pursuit of peace seems more distant than ever. Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has lamented this “third world war fought piecemeal.” This dialogue at Georgetown University in Washington, DC drew on the principles of Catholic social thought to explore what people of faith and others can do to respond to these crises and their immense human and moral costs.
The dialogue featured scholars, theologians, and grassroots voices who illuminated the moral imperatives of peacemaking in these troubled times, discussed the complexities of conflict resolution and use of force, and offered some possible pathways toward a more just and peaceful world.
To view the video of this event, CLICK: https://catholicsocialthought.georgetown.edu/events/blessed-are-the-peacemakers Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University, November 18, 2024
The section on South Sudan presented by Sr. Mũmbi Kĩgũtha, CPPS, is recorded from 29:48 –38:38. Sr. Mumbi is the president of Friends in Solidarity (FIS), the U.S. partner of Solidarity with South Sudan. She continues to minister as a reconciliation consultant for various local and international entities and speaks on several social justice issues.
#2:
“No more war, war never again. It is peace, peace which must guide the destinies of peoples” Pope Paul VI to the United Nations, October 4, 1965
Let us PRAY, PLEAD, ASK, BEG, KNOCK, MAKE PEACE on earth today!
“Song of Comfort” by Yo Yo Ma, Cello — https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaBRMIrBxd8
“Dona Nobis Pacem” by Julie Gaulke — https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fhJ6XrZ4jg
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” — https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYz14jEoaeU
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
“Civilian victims are not collateral damage but men and women, with names and surnames, who lose their lives. They are children who are orphaned and deprived of their future. They are individuals who suffer from hunger, thirst and cold, or are mutilated by the power of modern explosives. Were we to be able to look each of them in the eye, call them by name, and learn something of their personal history, we would see war for what it is: nothing other than an immense tragedy, a useless slaughter, one that offends the dignity of every person on this planet .... Our world is witnessing a growing number of conflicts that are slowly turning what I have often called a third world war fought piecemeal into a genuine global conflict ...” Pope Francis, January 8, 2024
Loving God of peace, hear our prayer! We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace. Guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: “Never again war!”; “With war everything is lost”. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Renew our hearts and minds so that the word that always brings us together is “sister/brother” and our way of life will always be that of Shalam, Peace, Salaam! Amen
. . . Gaza, Wider Middle East War, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Ethiopia, The Sahel, Haiti, Armenia-Azerbaijan, US-China . . .
“Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love,” St. Francis of Assisi
Pray with your eyes
Two centuries ago , a Quaker minister by the name of Edward Hicks, painted at least 100 variations on the theme of the “peaceable Kingdom” between 1820 and 1829 (top). It is his depiction of the idyllic time of peace and harmony foreseen in Isaiah 11: 6-9:
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
In our own time, other artists have offered their interpretation of this longed-for vision of peace:
John August Swanson 1994; he says, “For me, it speaks both to the desire of people to find a place of peace in this world and to the need for peace within us. It also symbolizes our responsibility to protect and care for all of creation. (middle)
Jan Wall—2019; she gathers only the animals of the Sierra Madre Mountains, California, at a bountiful table. (bottom)
The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
In the medium of joyous words, theologian Elizabeth Johnson also depicts, for post-modern humans, the peace and harmony intended by the Creator for all of creation in her most recent book, Come, Have Breakfast, pp. 46-47, 2024.
"Midway through the third Eucharistic Prayer of the Catholic liturgy, the presider declares, 'all creation rightly gives you praise.' .... What an expansive sense of the loving Creator would result if at the start of every gathering for christian prayer or liturgy the people called upon the ongoing praise of all creation which we humans now join. How magnificent to realize that the living God to whom we pray is also receiving the praise of the squirrel, the eagle, the trout, the firefly, the cactus, and the coral reef. We singers sharing the journey of life together. What desperately needed, responsible, self-sacrificing care of Earth and its species would flow as a result of such prayer.
The benefit can be mutual. At a time when prayer does not come easily to postmodern humans, becoming aware of nature's praise may actually allow these other creatures to help us pray. The more we attend to them, the more they can lift our hearts to God, borne on their praise.
December 9, 2024
As a school counselor at Washington School for Girls (WSG), I witness daily the emotional complexities our students navigate. Recent findings from the Center for Disease Control reveal a concerning reality: nearly 3 in 5 U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, with 30% seriously considering suicide. These statistics underscore the critical need for mental health support tailored to young girls, and I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where each student can thrive.
At WSG, we believe that peacemaking and safety go hand in hand. By teaching our girls empathy, we empower them to understand and navigate their emotions. Emotions themselves are not inherently negative; rather, it’s our responses to them that can lead to challenges. Through a solution-focused approach, I encourage students to reflect on their experiences: “If you could go back, what could you have done differently?” This question fosters self-awareness and promotes personal growth.
Every student deserves a safe space to express her feelings. I value the importance of open dialogue and emotional expression. Whether it’s through one-on-one sessions or group discussions, I encourage girls to articulate their thoughts and feelings. When a student mentions a Bible verse or spiritual teaching, I embrace the opportunity to incorporate those values into our conversations, respecting their individual beliefs while guiding them toward emotional resilience.
My approach is inherently person-centered. I strive to understand the world from each student’s perspective, helping them navigate their unique challenges. By fostering an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued, we create a community that supports mental wellness. This holistic approach integrates not just academic success, but also spiritual and emotional well-being, recognizing that each aspect is interconnected.
At WSG, we leverage the profound wisdom of faith to encourage resilience and compassion. Our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum integrates opportunities for prayer, serving as a cornerstone for students seeking solace and guidance. This spiritual connection not only helps in moments of distress but also facilitates self-discovery, enabling girls to explore their identities and aspirations.
An inspiring example of this occurred when two students used scripture to resolve a conflict. Their ability to draw from spiritual teachings illustrates the power of faith in promoting understanding and empathy among peers.
As we move forward, our commitment remains unwavering: to nurture the spiritual, mental, and physical wellness of our students with compassion and dedication. We aim to empower our girls to chart their own paths, embracing resilience and self-discovery along the way.
Together, we can create a community where every girl feels supported in her journey. By fostering empathy, embracing emotional expression, and integrating spiritual wellness, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. It is a privilege to walk alongside them on this journey, guiding them towards a future filled with hope and empowerment.
In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health, let us continue to prioritize the well-being of our young girls, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and ready to face the world.
What connections do you find between Ms. India’s perspective and values important in the Holy Child tradition?
The Washington School for Girls was founded in 1997 by women from three organizations who recognized that many girls in Washington, DC’s Wards 7 & 8 were not receiving an equitable education. Using the power of collaboration and the unique strengths of each of their organizations (the Religious of Jesus and Mary, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and the National Council of Negro Women), they founded the WSG in the basement of an apartment building. Since then, the school has grown to serve up to 130 students in grades 3-8 on two campuses in Southeast Washington, DC, and has graduated over 300 alumnae who have gone on to attend a wide variety of high schools and colleges.
Ms. India Wilkins is a school counsellor who plays a crucial role in guiding students to be thoughtful, compassionate, and intentional peacemakers
RE-SOURCE #2: The Wants of This Age — World at War — “Peacemaking: A
Ask God to grant PEACE, teach people PEACE, give them the courage to say "Never again war!"
Pope Francis
Syrian Arab Sunni Muslims, 70-75%—Melkite Catholic Christians,10%—Alawites, less than 10%—Druze, Isma’ilis, & Shiite Muslims
Jesus’ fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. Matthew 4:24
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on the inhabitants of a country in shadow dark as death light has blazed forth. Isaiah 9:2
Listen: BEATITUDES, sung by St. Ann’s Senior Choir of the Byzantine Melkite Catholic Church in New Jersey. CLICK
In just two weeks, Syrian rebels have swept from their enclave in the north west to capture a string of major cities, before reaching the capital Damascus and toppling President Bashar al-Assad, 13 years after the start of the country's civil war.
In convoys of small vehicles and motorbikes, fighters led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) moved rapidly along the north-south highway which forms the country's main spine to take Damascus without resistance.
But while many in the country are celebrating the downfall of a family dynasty that ruled Syria with an iron fist, the future is uncertain and the situation on the ground remains in flux, with a number of different rebel groups controlling different parts of the country. BBC News 12-11-24
Washington, DC - On January 31, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) sent an “Urgent Call for US Action* Against Rwanda’s Violation of DRC’s Territorial Integrity” to the United States (US) Secretary of State, and members of Congress.The letter appeals for immediate U.S. intervention to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sparked by worsening hostilities between the DRC armed forces and the Rwandan army allied to the M23 armed group. This crisis has intensified following M23’s takeover of Goma and expansion into South Kivu, prompting AFJN to warn of a looming “grave and humanitarian crisis” if the U.S. does not act.
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), says “AFJN urges the Trump Administration and members of Congress to consider strong measures to help halt the offensive by M23 that is raping women and killing civilians.”
On January 18, M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, launched a military operation to expand its territory, violating a ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and the DRC .... Furthermore, DRC officials reported that at least 165 women were raped by male inmates during a prison break in Goma’s Muzenze prison on January 27, amidst the M23’s assault on the town.
The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is a community of advocates for responsible United States (US) relations with Africa, with the following mission:
“Inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, the Africa Faith and Justice Network seeks to educate and advocate for just Africa-US relations that empower Africans to be agents of their own destiny, thriving in a just and equitable society”
The SHCJ American Province has been a member of AFJN since shortly after its beginning in 1983.
Washington, DC Over the last six years, USAID invested around $3 billion in humanitarian assistance for people affected by natural disasters and conflict in the DRC.
Abuja, Nigeria — Nigerian officials have launched a committee to develop a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programs following U.S. President Donald Trump’s 90-day halt of most foreign aid. The multi-ministerial committee aims to secure new financial support for critical health programs.
Blessed
M23 declares ceasefire in DRC as regional leaders try to forge peace
February 4, 2025
