Tuesday, November 25, 2014

On Friday night, over 250 Pax Christi USA members and friends gathered at the Columbus Convention Center in Georgia for Pax Christi USA's annual gathering at the SOA. This year's presentation was entitled, "Resisting the Militarization of our Youth-from Central America to Ferguson," with presentations from Honduran Jesuit Ismael Moreno (popularly known as Padre Melo) and Tony Neal, President/CEO of Educational Equity Consultants in St. Louis.

Our evening speakers, Padre Melo (left) and Tony Neal (right), with Sr. Patty after Friday's program.

 The evening started with a welcome from Sr. Patty Chappell, SNDdeN, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA. Scott Wright, former member of the Pax Christi USA National Council, and Jean Stokan, Director of the Sisters of Mercy Institute Justice Team, provided context for the evening, recalling the 25th anniversary of the Jesuit martyrs and their co-workers in El Salvador. 

Pax Christi USA members from across the U.S. participated in Friday's program, Saturday's march to the Stewart Detention Center, and the solemn funeral procession and action before the gates of Ft. Benning on Sunday. 

Click here to read a short report from the weekend, see photos, a PDF of Friday evening's program and prayer service, and more!