 |
 In January
2008 we traditionally celebrate
World Day of Peace. This year marks he 40th anniversary of the celebration of
the first World Day of Peace (1968-2008) and the 25th anniversary of
the Holy See's adoption of the Charter of the Rights of the Family
(1983-2008). Words of peace ring loudly in the hearts of all North Americans,
and indeed the entire world, in light of the terrible consequences of
terrorism, and some inadequate ways counter-terrorism measures attempts to
deal with
it.In this issue, we feature peacemakers from various parts of the world where the St. Francis Xavier Missionaries serve as a witness to the great current of regular people making peace in the world today, in spite of the odds. As an important element of peace-making today, interreligious dialogue is a vital commitment.
The Holy Father in his message for World Day of Peace, The Human Family, A Community of Peace, some essential elements to peace in the world today for the long haul of peace-making:
(A story of a Church in Pikit,
Cotabato, Philippines presented during the International conference
on Church Inter-religious Dialogue and Peace-building sponsored by
the Catholic Relief Services and KROC Institute held in Davao City,
Philippines on October 21-26, 2007)
 Interreligious
dialogue is not just the work of experts in Islam and Christianity.
It is an ?integral part of the evangelizing mission of the Church.?
(Redeeming Mission, JPII) Hence, it must be the local church, our
Basic Ecclesial Communities, that must be in the forefront of this
dialogue work of the Church.In saying this, I would like to point out that religious leaders play a very important role in this work. However, there are some of us who, without knowing it, have become part of the problem by re-enforcing thick walls of division rather than part of the solution by building bridges of reconciliation. The challenge for churches is not so much to build their own kingdom but to build the kingdom of God. To realize this, churches must recommit to the Gospel and be ready to become instruments of God?s goodness to every human being regardless of who they are. Read more...
Kamenge Youth Center (fr. Centre Jeunes Kamenge) is a youth center located in Bujumbura, Burundi where our religious missionary congregation has worked for many years now. Founded in 1991, the Italian immigrants Claudio Marano, Victor Ghirardi and Marino Bettinsoli had the idea of establishing a place where teenagers could meet in order to live peacefully together in surroundings in which war dominates and in which alcoholism, prostitution, unemployment and criminality appear as main problems. Kamenge Youth Center is not only a center where youngsters of the two tribes at enmity Hutu and Tutsi meet, but it is also an educational institution. People have the possibility attend courses, such as languages, mathematics, theater, natural sciences, physical education and others. In 2001, Kamenge Youth Center counted around 20 000 members and organized around 30 activities every day. In 2002, it received the Right Livelihood Award for its work. Read more... 
 Sierra
Leone, West Africa's Refugee All StarsSix men forced from their homes by violence in Sierra Leone have transformed their experience into amusical calling. The Refugee All Stars are now the subject of a feature-length documentary that follows their performances in refugee camps, and their eventual return to war-ravaged Freetown. The documentary just won the Grand Jury Prize at the AFI Festival in Los Angeles.. Scott Simon talks with the film's co-director, Zach Niles, and lead All Stars musician Reuben Koroma. A two-disc album tied to the documentary has been released: It bears a dedication to "all the innocent people living as refugees throughout the world and to all the organizations and individuals who work tirelessly on their behalf."  Listen to LIVING LIFE A REFUGEE To view the trailer of the Documentary Film, or to order a copy National Public Radio's Documentary on Refugee All Stars: Music Born of Strife
A Catholic Collaboration to Articulate the Challenges of
Peace in the 21st Century
 The People?s Peace Initiative
is a collaborative effort of national Catholic organizations to
articulate the challenges for Catholic peacemaking in the 21st
century. In 2003, as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the U.S.
bishops' peace pastoral, Pax Christi USA issued an invitation to
national Catholic organizations and ministries to join in
developing a grassroots process of reflection that would lead to
the writing of a "people's peace letter." Central to the vision are
Jesus? Gospel values and the experiences and insights of
marginalized people?especially communities of color, women and the
impoverished in the U.S. and around the world. (For a complete list
of participating organizations, please click
here).For resources and ways you can involve your friends, parish, youth, young adult or campus ministry, click here |
Issue #2 January 2008
When faith matters, how will you help shape the world?
Church Teaching on Global Mission To the Ends of the Earth, US Bishops Teaching the Spirit of Mission, US Bishops Best Practices in Teaching Mission, US Bishops Mission of the Redeemer, JP II World Mission 2007, Benedict XVI
Church Teaching on Peace US Catholic Bishops on Social Development and Peace
On the Iraqi War Other Church Statements on Iraq Christian Peace Witness for Iraq
Other Peace Resources Using the Family Pledge of Nonviolence for Dr. King and Beyond" "Peacemaking and the Powers"--a Lenten Program with a Dr. King Focus Lesson Plans for the Season of Nonviolence 1/30-4/4/2008
Interfaith youth opportunities Days of Interfaith Youth Service A Different Conversation about Religion Curriculum for Starting Interfaith Work Acts of Faith Discussion Guide Building the Interfaith Youth Movement
Additional links News from the Missions Worldwide Focus on Mission for Young Adults Mass Readings and Missionary Prayer Mission Intentions of the Holy Father Martyrs of the Xaverian Missionaries Patrons of World Mission: St. Francis Xavier and St. Therese Lisieux Justice, peace and integrity of creation e-newsletter Check out the latest from National Conferences held recently of the
Great way to help tackle the problems of poverty and a great fund raising idea for your institution. Become a Partner in Global Mission
Consider some type of short term mission experience, or become a lay missionary. We can assist you.
Consider dedicating your life as a missionary priest, brother, or sister. Contact us. NOBORDERS Program for your
Institution
Themes
NO BORDERS: PASSION FOR CHRIST - PASSION FOR HUMANITY St. Francis Xavier Missionaries
Contact: Fr. Joe Matteucig, SX Fr. Carl Chudy, SX 101 Summer Street Holliston, MA 01746 508.429.2144 |
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