Tag Archives: Pax Christi New Mexico

ON THE LINE: January edition features PC Illinois’ interfaith peace service, PC Florida’s Haiti delegation report, and more!

Posted on January 9, 2013 | Comments Off

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each month, “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners. These are gleaned from articles in local newspapers, websites, magazines, and elsewhere.

PAX CHRISTI ILLINOIS CO-SPONSORS INTERFAITH PEACE SERVICE: The 8th annual World Peace Day Inter-Faith Prayer Service, co-sponsored by Pax Christi Illinois, was held on January 1st on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. The theme for this years’ service was, “Breaking Down the Mysteries Between Us: Seeking Peace Through Understanding”. In explaining the hope for this years’ celebration, Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace Tom Cordaro stated, “Even though this past year has been marked by incidents of unspeakable violence, polarization and hostilities in our nation and around the world, the truth is that more and more people of faith are coming together across religious and cultural boundaries to give witness to our common humanity. There is more that unites than there is that divides us. Our hope is that this service will build on the successful interfaith efforts of the last year and deepen the bonds of respect and love between us.” Read the whole article here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/01/04/regional-news-pax-christi-illinois-joins-diverse-religious-communities-in-calling-for-world-peace/

Participants in the World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service add their piece of colored paper to the map of the world.

Participants in the World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service, co-sponsored by PC-Illinois add their piece of colored paper to the map of the world.

PAX CHRISTI GROUPS MARK THE FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS: Traditionally, many Pax Christi groups hold vigils, prayer services, and actions on December 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Pax Christi Florida chapters held vigils dedicated to a commitment to nonviolence as a remembrance of the school children in Newtown, Connecticut . Pax Christi Northeast Florida held one in downtown St. Augustine at the Plaza de la Constitution, with nine people participating, including 2 priests: Fr. Rene Robert and Fr. Sebastian Muccilli. Other PCF members held vigil in downtown Jacksonville in front of the new County Courthouse.

Members of Pax Christi Northeast Florida vigil on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

Members of PC Northeast Florida vigil on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

LONG-TIME PAX CHRISTI MEMBER PUBLISHES NEW BOOK: An Invitation to Think and Feel Differently in the New Millennium, by Fr. Harry Bury, long-time member of Pax Christi USA, describes an innovative way of looking at life that brings meaning and fulfillment to oneself and others. It tells stories that touch the deepest layers of our humanness, awakening our imagination and transforming our understanding in a manner that delights and fulfills us. The intent of this book is to generate new stories for the New Millennium in order to overcome cynicism with reasonable hopefulness, while suggesting practical measures ‘the least of us’ can take to make life wonderful for ourselves and for everyone in the world. Read more about Fr. Harry’s book here: http://www.harryjbury.com/HarryJBury/Books.html

PAX CHRISTI WESTERN NEW YORK COORDINATOR DELIVERS ADVENT HOMILY: This homily was given by William Privett, coordinator of Pax Christi Western New York, on December 8-9 at his parish. “Today’s Gospel reading quotes Isaiah, ‘Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’ Still today we have the responsibility to ‘Prepare the way’ and ‘straighten the paths’…for our Lord. 2000 years later, we can all observe that the path is not straight, the hills are still not level. About 20 years ago, it occurred to me during my meditation that I not only COULD, but was CALLED UPON, to give birth to Jesus into this world. What I will share in the next few minutes is what I have learned in the past few decades, and that is making the path straight is doing what Jesus calls us to do – Love without violence. I believe that Loving without violence, for those of us who believe in Jesus is making the path straight and leveling the hills. Is it even imaginable to you that we could pPrepare the way for Jesus’ with violence, mayhem, destruction and death?” Read the entire homily here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/12/29/christmas-2012-birthing-the-prince-of-peace-love-without-violence/

Jorge Parra

PAX CHRISTI MICHIGAN MEMBER WRITES ON COLOMBIAN’S WORK FOR JUSTICE: Pax Christi Michigan member, Carol Jachim, wrote the following story about Jorge Parra’s struggle for justice. “It was International Peace Day in September when I first met Jorge Parra, a humbling man who walked with a cane. We marched together with 25 peace advocates for a mile or so from a downtown Detroit Church to Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers were playing a home game. Did we make a difference? Did anyone notice? One only wonders with hope. As we gathered in a small park, Jorge spoke, through an interpreter, telling us his reason for being in the U.S. — to draw attention to his and his coworkers’ plight in a General Motors plant in Columbia. GM Colombia (Colmotores), the most profitable GM plant in Latin America, fired over 200 workers who suffered work-related injuries and diseases, including spinal fractures and cancer…” Read the rest of the story here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/12/21/human-rights-colombians-story-moves-us-to-question-the-meaning-of-joy-and-peace-this-season/

PAX CHRISTI MAINE MEMBER ASKS IF WE SEE THE POOR? The following article was published in the Bangor Daily News by Mary Ellen Quinn of Pax Christi Maine during the Advent season. “As a social worker in this community over the past three decades, I have seen the resources allocated to those living in poverty rise and fall. In recent years, there has been a steady downward spiral. At both federal and state levels, budgets cuts are being made that severely jeopardize the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. It is difficult to witness the current congressional debate on who will receive a tax break, knowing that the income of the top 1 percent of wealthiest Americans has risen close to 75 percent in the past 30 years. At the same time, the income of those on the lowest rung of the ladder has seen only a 1-percent increase…” Read the entire column here: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/12/17/opinion/how-do-we-see-the-poor-or-do-we-see-them-at-all/

PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA MEMBERS ON A DELEGATION TO HAITI: Three Pax Christi Florida Council members made a trip to visit Pax Christi Haiti in November. They spent 5 days in Cite Soleil to see firsthand how the Sakala Peace Program is making a difference in the lives of the children and families living in one of the poorest communities in the world. They returned filled with hope and inspiration from working with these bright, promising youth and resilient, innovative adults. Read their full report here: http://paxchristiflorida.org/take-action/report-of-our-trip-to-pax-christi-port-au-prince/

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

Jan. 6-12 – Witness Against Torture, Close Guantanamo: http://witnesstorture.org/

Jan. 6-12 – National Migration Week: http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/index.cfm

Jan. 11-13 – National Weekend of Prayer to End Slavery and Trafficking: http://www.weekendofprayer.net/index.html

Jan. 18-19 – Pax Christi Cleveland West is presenting a retreat with Fr. Emmanuel McCarthy on gospel nonviolence. Contact 216.651.0550 for more information.

Jan. 21 – MLK Day: http://mlkday.gov/about/serveonkingday.php

Jan. 27 – Pax Christi Metro New York presents Peacemaking Through the Arts, featuring a play on Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day: http://www.nypaxchristi.org/events.html

Feb. 2 – Regional Dialogue in Michigan: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Feb. 13 – Ash Wednesday

Feb. 23 – Regional Dialogue in Minnesota: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Mar. 1-3 – Pax Christi Metro New York’s retreat, “Have this mind in you which was in Christ Jesus…Conversion to the active love of Jesus by praying Sacred Scripture,” with Bishop Thomas Gumbleton: http://www.nypaxchristi.org/events.html

Mar. 10 – Regional Dialogue in Richmond, VA: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Mar. 23 – Regional Dialogue for Pax Christi Metro New York and Long Island: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Quicklinks:

Pax Christi member Fr. Tim Taugher and Fr. Fred Daley were featured in this article from The Post Standard (NY) following the Newtown massacre … Watch this incredible slideshow of Pax Christi Houston events from throughout 2012 put together by Dave Atwood … A number of Pax Christi members, including Ambassadors and Teachers of Peace, were featured in this article in NCR on Catholic peacemaking … Pax Christi New Mexico co-coordinator Bud Ryan had this comment published in the New York Times … Read the new reflection from PCUSA National Council member Nick Mele on “Sex and violence” … A photo from the Sakala project in Haiti was featured in The Global Fund for Children’s blog … The latest edition of Pax Christi Metro New York’s newsletter Kerux is available online … Many thanks to Sue Malone who is stepping down as coordinator of Pax Christi Massachusetts and a grateful welcome to Pat Ferrone who is stepping into her place … Pax Christi El Paso (TX) continues their regular film series this month with the movie “Encounter Point” … Read the January edition of Pax Christi International’s newsletter online … See more local and regional updates in the fall edition of The Peace Current …

Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to jzokovitch@paxchristiusa.org.

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Posted in Calendar, Local Group News, News, On The Line, Regional Dialogues, Regional Events, Regional News

Tagged An INvitation to Think and Fell Differently in the New Millennium, Bangor Daily News, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Bud Ryan, Carol Jachim, Dave Atwood, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Fr Emmanuel McCarthy, Fr Fred Daley, Fr Rene Robert, Fr Sebastian Muccilli, Fr Tim Taugher, Global Fund for Children, GM, Harry Bury, John Dear, Jorge Parra, Kerux, Mary Ellen Quinn, National Catholic Reporter, National Migration Week, National Weekend of Prayer to End Slavery and Trafficking, Nick Mele, Pat Ferrone, Pax Christi, Pax Christi Cleveland West, Pax Christi El Paso, Pax Christi Houston, Pax Christi Illinois., Pax Christi International, Pax Christi Long Island, Pax Christi Maine, Pax Christi Massachusetts, Pax Christi Metro New York, Pax Christi Michigan, Pax Christi Minnesota, Pax Christi New Mexico, Pax Christi Northeast Florida, Pax Christi Richmond, Pax Christi Western New York, SAKALA, Sue Malone, The Naperville Sun, The Post Standard, Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day play, Tom Cordaro, William Privett, Witness Against Torture

ON THE LINE: November edition features members in Iraq, Pakistan; interview with PCUSA Ambassador of Peace, and more!

Posted on November 14, 2012 | Comments Off

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

A SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PAX CHRISTI GROUPS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY: Members of the Pax Christi Metro New York, Pax Christi Long Island and Pax Christi New Jersey regions were hit especially hard by Hurricane Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them as they continue to recover from the storm. If you wish to send a note of solidarity and support to members of these regions, or ask how you can help PC members who might need some direct help as a result of the storm, you can send an email to the following leaders of those regions:

Rosemarie Pace, Pax Christi Metro New York at info@nypaxchristi.org
Kathy O’Leary, Pax Christi New Jersey at kolearypcnj@gmail.com
Sheila Croke, Pax Christi Long Island at PaxChristi.LongIsland@gmail.com

PAX CHRISTI MINNESOTA MEMBER IN IRAQ: Steve Clemens of PC-Minnesota, is back in Iraq ten years after being there with the Iraq Peace Team. He writes in his blog, “I had left Iraq just 3 months before the US war-of-choice began in March 2003. My experience with the Iraq Peace Team was powerful and life-changing because I was able to act on my faith rather than my fears. So this land between the Tigris and Euphrates has a special place in my heart.” You can follow his reports from Iraq on his blog at http://www.mennonista.blogspot.com/

Five “Prophets of Peace” were named on PC-Florida’s 30th anniversary: Fr. Sebastian Muccilli, Mary Lea Zamora, Carol Ann Breyer, Anne Richter and Maureen O’Connell.

NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER INTERVIEWS PCUSA AMBASSADOR OF PEACE NANCY SMALL: From NCR – “Among my favorite Pax Christi memories is one of Nancy Small leading a few hundred of us in a prayerful protest against the first war in Iraq from the steps of Brooklyn’s St. James Cathedral, which barred our entry, to Assumption Church, which welcomed us. We walked in total silence except for a drumbeat. Along the way, we offered inquisitive spectators fliers explaining our absence from the huge pro-war rally in Manhattan on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge. We were few compared to the thousands who supported the military action. I recall that The New York Times, which covered the large rally, concluded with a mention of our resistance…” Read the entire interview with Nancy at http://ncronline.org/node/38161/

LAKESHORE PC (WI) COVENANTS WITH OTHER FAITH COMMUNITIES: Lakeshore Pax Christi in Manitowoc County in Wisconsin have covenanted with Lakeshore United Methodist Church, First Lutheran Church, St James Episcopal Church, and Fox Valley Friends (Quakers) to work for justice. The “Covenanting Celebration for RUTH of Manitowoc County” (RUTH=Responding with Understanding, Truth and Hope) was on October 29. RUTH members work to help persons in need, assisting at the Domestic Violence Shelter, tutoring children, mentoring those returning from prison and jail, volunteering at Hope House and planning the men’s homeless shelter, advocating for children in the CASA program, foster parenting and participating in a myriad of ways of ways of serving and giving locally and on mission trips. RUTH members have concluded that systemic and structural change must also occur if the public good is to be fully served. Read more at http://www.htrnews.com/article/20121026/MAN0101/310260158/Lakeshore-Update?nclick_check=1

PAX CHRISTI HIGH SCHOOL CHAPTER HOLDS PEACE FESTIVAL: The Pax Christi group at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA, worked with their school’s Campus Ministry Department to celebrate their annual St. Francis Peace Festival, October 1 -4. Every student in the school was invited to contribute some research, art, prayer, skit, etc. on the topic of peace. Each teacher (across the curriculum) was invited to share a peace lesson in their class. The school’s Alumni Hall was filled with colorful and thought-provoking work and activities that invited the students to take a stand for non-violence and peace-making. The week culminated with a Catholic mass on the feast of St. Francis. The mass began with large puppets created by the Art and Religion Departments, presenting a story of two fighting communities who find a way to sow seeds of peace.

Members of the Pax Christi chapter at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA held a peace festival on the Feast of St. Francis.

PAX CHRISTI MEMBER PUBLISHES NEW BOOK ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP: In Blessings for Leaders, long-time Pax Christi member Dan Ebener skillfully weaves an understanding of one of the most powerful and familiar Bible passages with insights drawn from his experience developing faith-filled leaders in churches and ministry organizations. Ebener reflects on how the paradoxes of leadership can be understood from a careful reflection on the Beatitudes: It takes wisdom, empathy, humility, justice, mercy, service, peace and courage to lead as a Christian. Read more about the book on Dan’s website here: http://www.servantleadershipmodels.com/blessings_for_leaders.html

CONGRATS! PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS: Watch the video below prepared by Pax Christi Florida Council member Jim Rucquoi celebrating PC-FL’s 30^th anniversary:

PAX CHRISTI WESTERN NEW YORK COLLABORATES TO MOVE VIOLENCE TO HOPE: From the Buffalo News – “Peaceful Genesee envisions a community free of violence of all forms, where all people treat each other with dignity and respect, and that develops ways to peacefully transform conflicts. Its partners include Genesee Community College, government, non-profits, the high school, faith leaders and individuals. The collaborative is working to move from violence to hope in Genesee County, with 58,000 people and 3,300 documented instances of violence and disruption…” Read the rest of this article by PC Western NY coordinator Bill Privett at http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121101/OPINION/121109972/1074

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

Nov. 16 – PCUSA at the SOA with Medea Benajamin and Bill Quigley, 6-8pm, Friday: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/pax-christi-usa-at-the-soa/

Nov. 16-18 – Annual Vigil and Action at the School of the Americas in Columbus, GA: http://soaw.org

Nov. 16-18 – Ignatian Family Teach-in in Washington, D.C. PCUSA staff members Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau and Rachel Roa will be presenting a workshop: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/11/13/press-release-pcusa-to-present-at-the-ignatian-family-teach-in-for-justice/

Nov. 18 – Regional Dialogue in Southern California: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Dec. 1 – World AIDS Day: http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Dec. 2 – First Sunday of Advent: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120212.cfm

Dec. 10 – International Human Rights Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Day

Dec. 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121212.cfm

Dec. 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122812.cfm

Quicklinks:

Chase Nordengren, former coordinator for the Pax Christi chapter at the Catholic University of America, is now a blogger for the “Young Voices” section of National Catholic Reporter … Pax Christi Austin and PC-Austin member Kay Arnold were featured in an interview on The Way podcast … Former PCUSA National Council member and member of PC Metro DC-Baltimore Donna Toliver Grimes was named the Assistant Director of African American Affairs at the USCCB. Read this interview with Donna done last February by Mary Liepold. Congrats Donna! … PC-Indianapolis member JoAnn Lingle was in Pakistan on a peace delegation in October. Read her blog entries here … Bud Ryan of PC-New Mexico had a comment published in The New York Times blog regarding an article on the just war theory … Pax Christi Tucson participates in their parish’s “Theology Uncorked” program which is discussing gun violence with survivors of the January 2011 shooting in Arizona that killed 6 people and wounded 12 others including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords … Pax Christi Pentagon Area (VA) held a drone protest outside CIA headquarters last weekend … Pax Christi Teacher of Peace Ruben Garcia was featured this month in the Christian Science Monitor … Pax Christi South Dakota members protested the death penalty and were featured in several news outlets in October, including this story in the San Francisco Chronicle … Pax Christi Upstate New York member Jack Gilroy was one of several authors of this invitation to “Awake to Drones!” … See more local and regional updates in the fall edition of The Peace Current …

Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to jzokovitch@paxchristiusa.org.

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Posted in Calendar, Local Group News, News, On The Line, Regional Dialogues, Regional Events, Regional News

Tagged Anne Richter, Bill Quigley, Bishop Alemany High School, Blessings for Leaders, Bud Ryan, Buffalo News, Carol Ann Breyer, Chase Nordengren, Christian Science Monitor, Dan Ebener, Donna Toliver Grimes, drones, Fr Sebastian Muccilli, Gabrielle Giffords, Ignatian Family Teach-in, Iraq, Iraq Peace Team, Jack Gilory, Jim Rucquoi, JoAnne Lingle, Kathy O'Leary, Kay Arnold, Lakeshore Pax Christi, Mary Lea Zamora, Maureen O'Connell, Medea Benjamin, Mennonista, Nancy Small, National Catholic Reporter, ny times, Pakistan, Pax Christi, Pax Christi Austin, Pax Christi Catholic University of America, Pax Christi Florida, Pax Christi Indianapolis, Pax Christi Long Island, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Pax Christi Metro New York, Pax Christi Minnesota, Pax Christi New Jersey, Pax Christi New Mexico, Pax Christi Pentagon Area, Pax Christi South Dakota, Pax Christi Southern California, Pax Christi Tucson, Pax Christi Western New York, Peaceful Genesee, Rachel Roa, Rosemarie Pace, Ruben Garcia, San Francisco Chronicle, School of the Americas, Sheila Croke, Sr Anne-Louise Nadeau, Steve Clemens, The Way Podcast, Theology Uncorked

ON THE LINE: September edition features 30 Days of Peace, Caravan of Peace, Los Alamos story and more!

Posted on September 13, 2012 | Comments Off

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

ALPENA PEACE PEOPLE PAX CHRISTI GROUP SPONSORS 30 DAYS OF PEACE: From the Alpena News – “If participants in this year’s 30 Days of Peace take anything away from attending one of the multitude of planned activities, Sister Mary Hughes hopes it is inner peace. ‘My hope is that initially it will help people as individuals to find a peace within themselves and that will be spread to their relatives, their friends and their neighbors,” Hughes said. “If we have an atmosphere of peace within our community, it will spread. It will affect the leaders we choose for local and state, and our church and civic groups. It will affect the activities in the community and promote wholesome living.” On Sept. 14, An Evening of Poetry, Readings, Blues and Jazz will be held from 7-9 at Cabin Creek Coffee in downtown Alpena. Poems and readings promoting peace will be given by representatives of the local Pax Christi, a Catholic organization that strives to create a world that reflects the peace of Christ. ‘People come to this event who never come to anything else given by LARCC or Pax Christi, so if you have different things, you get different people,’ said Hughes of the wide diversity of events planned for the entire month.” Read the whole story here: http://www.thealpenanews.com/page/content.detail/id/522591/30-Days-of-Peace-initiative-coming-up.html?nav=5042

LONG-TIME PC-FLORIDA, MICHIGAN MEMBER PASSES: In late August, we learned that long-time Pax Christi USA member and local group leader Herb Bazur had died. Herb was 88 years old. Herb was active in Pax Christi USA for many years, including his local participation with Pax Christi groups and members in Michigan, Florida and Indiana. Known for his Pax Christi USA rose tattoo, Herb was often the center of laughter and joy at the many Pax Christi gatherings he and his wife Betty attended. Herb’s family writes in his obituary, “We will work to keep alive the memory of our charismatic and colorful Herb in many ways. He would encourage us to stop and smell the flowers, love our neighbors, walk with the marginalized, vote with poor people in mind, and spread joy.” Read more about Herb here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/08/27/obituary-herb-bazur-long-time-pax-christi-usa-leader-age-88/

Pax Christi Texas members participated in the Caravan of Peace in August.

PAX CHRISTI ST. CLOUD PROTESTS AT CAMP RIPLEY: From The Morrison County Record – “The exercises at Camp Ripley usually involve training soldiers and public safety agencies. But the exercises at the National Guard base Monday involved the constitutional right to free speech. A peace vigil/protest was held Monday by the Little Falls Partners for Peace and Occupy Little Falls in front of the gates of Camp Ripley. In addition to several demands, one of the group’s goals was to increase public awareness about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often called drones. Two factions with opposing views about war stood across from each other, both literally and figuratively, near the gates of Camp Ripley. Standing north of Highway 115 in front of Camp Ripley’s gates, members of the Little Falls Partners for Peace and Occupy Little Falls held what they termed a “peace vigil” and drone protest. About 14 in all, others were from the Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace, Women Against Military Madness from the Twin Cities, Alternatives to War, St. Cloud Occupy, Pax Christi St. Cloud and Alexandria Peace, joining the Little Falls contingent.” Read more at: http://mcrecord.com/archives/515939/exercise-at-camp-ripley-right-to-free-speech/

NCR ARTICLE ON THE PASSING OF JOSHUA CASTEEL: From NCR’s Tom Roberts – “The news, expected but dreaded, began to leak out on Facebook on Saturday night. Joshua Casteel had died earlier that day. He was 32. And the postings, which seemed endless, as well as those on the site of the Iraq Veterans Against the War and on Pax Christi USA all seemed to ache in trying to say some version of the same thing: How do we tell those who should know about this life of grace and courage, of holiness and unending search, of both consummate resolution and relentless questions? How did he fit it all into such a short time, and how do we explain that the world — the church, the state and beyond — needs to know of this life?” Read more here: http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/inspirational-soldier-turned-conscientious-objector-dies-lung-cancer-32

PAX CHRISTI NEW MEXICO REMEMBERS HIROSHIMA: From The Santa Fe Reporter – “Members of various activist organizations and local residents against nuclear weapons gathered in Ashley Pond in Los Alamos on Sunday. The rally, which was mainly organized by Pax Christi New Mexico and lasted all afternoon, celebrated the 67^th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Dozens of framed pictures of victims and information about the bombing’s aftereffects were scattered around the area to pay homage to the victims. Organizers also established a live stream of the 8:15 am annual bell ringing in Hiroshima, Japan, the precise time the bomb was dropped in 1945. Father John Dear, an Christian anti-nuke activist nominated by Desmond Tutu for the Nobel Peace Prize, called the atomic bomb ‘the biggest sin’ and Los Alamos as its birthplace. ‘We gather here to repent that greatest sin,’ he told the crowd. Read the whole article here: http://www.sfreporter.com/santafe/blog-3714-los-alamos-remembers-hiroshima.html

Pax Chrsti New Mexico members Fr. John Dear and Bud Ryan at the Hiroshima Day event at Los Alamos.

PAX CRISTI MICHIGAN SUPPORTS SCHOOL SALE TO MUSLIM ORGANIZATION: From The Detroit News – “An interfaith coalition plans to demonstrate its support Tuesday night for the sale of a school building owned Farmington Public Schools to a Muslim organization. The sale last year of the former Eagle Elementary School in West Bloomfield for $1.1 million has drawn protests from groups alleging the district showed undue favor to the buyer, the Islamic Cultural Association, which plans to open a school there. Taking ‘a stand against Islamophobia,’ coalition members plan to attend the West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission meeting, which is at 7:30 p.m. The commission is expected to consider issues related to the Islamic group’s construction plans for the site. Coalition members include Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit, Pax Christi-Michigan, Detroit Meeting of Friends, Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network, Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East, Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, Pointes for Peace and Michigan Coalition for Human Rights. Read more at: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120814/METRO02/208140446/Controversy-surrounds-sale-school-W-Bloomfield-Muslim-group?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

Sept. 15 – Regional Dialogue in Atlanta, GA: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Sept. 21 – International Day of Peace: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs090/1011223557022/archive/1110865699008.html

Sept. 22 – Pax Christi South Dakota Conference with Sr. Helen Prejean: http://presentationsisters.org/vocation-outreach/events/Pax_Flyer_September_2012.pdf

Sept. 29 – Pax Christi Richmond with the Catholic Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace and the Office for Black Catholics will co-sponsor the Slave Trail Walk. Contact Mike at mike.jackman@capitalone.com for more information.

Sept. 29 – Pax Christi Minnesota State Assembly with Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer: http://www.paxchristimn.org/2012/08/18/jack-nelson-pallmeyer-to-headline-minnesota-peace-assembly/

Sept. 29 – Regional Dialogue in Illinois: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Oct. 20-21 – Pax Christi Florida’s Fall Assembly and Regional Dialogue: http://paxchristiflorida.org/events/

Oct. 27 – Pax Christi Massachusetts Regional Dialogue: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Quicklinks:

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, founding Bishop-President of Pax Christi USA, was featured in the Albany Times Union … Many thanks to all of the Pax Christi regions and groups who took out an ad in the Momentum 2012 program booklet. See videos, listen to the speeches and see photos from the event on the PCUSA website … PC Metro DC-Baltimore member Jean Stokan wrote the article, “U.S. Elections: The Whole World is Watching” for the Intercommunity Peace and Justice newsletter … The Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria, John Onaiyekan has been named Pax Christi International’s 2012 Peace Laureate … At the August 6th remembrance of the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan in WWII at the Quaker Meeting House in West Hartford,CT, PC-Hartford member Kate McLoughlin was a featured speaker … Pax Christi International Co-President Marie Dennis has a series running on the PCUSA website on civil discourse during this election year … Pax Christi Massachusetts board member and PCUSA Ambassador of Peace Nancy Small reflected on the 9/11 anniversary in this blog post … The Pax Christi USA-produced film on Haiti was chosen for another film festival … Heather Brouillet Navarro of PC-St. Louis, Sr. Esther Pineda of PC-Salinas (KS) and historian David O’Brien were elected to the National Council … See more local and regional updates in the summer edition of The Peace Current …

Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to jzokovitch@paxchristiusa.org.

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Posted in Calendar, Local Group News, News, On The Line, Regional Dialogues, Regional Events, Regional News

Tagged 30 Days of Peace, Albany Times Union, Alpena Peace People, Bishop Gumbleton, Bud Ryan, Camp Ripley, Cite Soleil, Dave Atwood, David O'Brien, Detroit News, Esther Pineda, Haiti, Heather Brouillet Navarro, Herb Bazur, Hiroshima, Intercommunity Justice and Peace, International Day of Peace, Jean Stokan, John Dear, Joshua Casteel, Los Alamos, Marie Dennis, Momentum 2012, Morrison County Times, Nancy Small, National Catholic Reporter, Pax Christi, Pax Christi Atlanta, Pax Christi Detroit, Pax Christi Florida, Pax Christi Illinois., Pax Christi International, Pax Christi Massachusetts, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Pax Christi Michigan, Pax Christi Minnesota, Pax Christi New Mexico, Pax Christi Richmond, Pax Christi South Dakota, Pax Christi St. Cloud, Pax Christi Texas, Santa Fe Reporter, Slave Trail Walk, Tom Roberts

ON THE LINE: August edition features Hiroshima Day actions, PC members supporting the Sisters, and more!

Posted on August 8, 2012 | 2 Comments

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

HIROSHIMA DAY WITNESS: Numerous Pax Christi local groups from around the nation participated in events, prayer services, and public actions to commemorate the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima 67 years ago. Here is a sampling of what groups did: Pax Christi New Mexico members hosted their annual “Sack Cloth and Ashes” vigil at Los Alamos. Pax Christi Metro New York hosted prayer, talk, and a public witness to express opposition to nuclear weapons with historian David Watt providing a historical critique of the bombings and Leila Zand, Middle East Program Director from Fellowship of Reconciliation, sharing a contemporary look at the nuclear threat with Iran. Pax Christi Metro D.C.-Baltimore members joined others at the Pentagon where members of the Atlantic Life Community were arrested for nonviolent action. Pax Christi-St. Maurice Church in S. Florida held a special evening of remembrance that included speakers and Japanese drumming. Members of Pax Christi Rochester (MN) lit peace lanterns to illuminate the threat of nuclear war. Pax Christi of Pomona Valley (CA) sponsored a peace vigil.

Nonviolent action on Hiroshima Day at the museum where the Enola Gay is displayed in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ted Majdosz)

PAX CHRISTI MICHIGAN SUPPORTS LCWR: On their website, PC-MI writes, “We are writing to assure LCWR that Pax Christi Michigan stands firmly in support of your members throughout the United States AND in absolute opposition to the Vatican decree issued against you on April 18, 2012. We are deeply saddened by the decree contents and want you to know that we stand in awe of the positions you have taken and the leadership you have given through your prophetic works over these many years. Moreover, Pax Christi Michigan is a proud signatory of the Pax Christi International letter of support which was issued just a few weeks ago, publically declaring our solidarity with LCWR in praise of your work. PCM joined other National Sections, including Pax Christi USA, and numerous PC Regional Members as signatories of this powerful letter…” To read the entire letter, click here: http://paxchristimi.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/open-letter-to-the-leadership-conference-of-women-religious-from-pax-christi-michigan/

Members of Pax Christi Indianapolis support women religious outside the Cathedral. (Photo courtesy of Val Fillenwarth)

WOMEN OF GOD SLIDESHOW: Former Pax Christi USA Development Director Jo Clarke has put together an excellent slideshow called “Women of God” which is now playing on the Erie Benedictines’ website. At a time when our women religious have come under Vatican criticism, this slideshow really celebrates the incredible, diverse ministries of our Sisters. Click here to see the slideshow: http://eriebenedictines.org/

PAX CHRISTI HARRISBURG (PA) LEADER PASSES: Patricia Mary Schulder “wasn’t afraid to get arrested across from the White House for protesting the Vietnam War — and did. She wasn’t afraid to hold an anti-war sign in front of the federal building in downtown Harrisburg — and did that, too. [She] believed it wasn’t enough to hope and pray for peace and justice. She also worked for it… ‘Pat made a difference in the world,’ said Mary Hertzel of Harrisburg, a fellow member of Pax Christi. ‘She came to peace vigils at noon at the Federal Building. She held posters about ending war. She always worked for peace. She also gave great Christmas parties and served delicious food. We will miss her very much.’ Read the entire story at bit.ly/NRZmB2

SUPPORT FOR JUSTICE FOR JANITORS: Dave and Peggy Atwood of Pax Christi Houston were arrested in support of the Justice for Janitors campaign. Dave also delivered a powerful letter of support to janitors organizing for their rights in that city. This is an excerpt from his message: “his is not a matter of supply and demand as some in the business world would like to say. This is a question of basic justice. Paying poverty wages to someone to do an essential job is just plain unjust. And so I say to the large companies who are making record profits and to their CEOs who are earning millions of dollars each year, treat these workers right! If you do so, your company will do better and the Houston economy will benefit. And I say to the janitors and other low-wage workers of Houston: ‘Stand your ground, my brothers and sisters! Your cause is just and God will bless you.’” Click here to see their video in support of the campaign: http://youtu.be/PqU3yk9-7B0. Click here to see photos from the action in which Dave and Peggy were among those arrested: http://www.chron.com/business/article/Protesters-block-intersection-in-support-of-3716827.php?cmpid=emailarticle&cmpid=emailarticle

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

July 1-August 9 – Forty Day Fast for the Truth of Gospel Nonviolence, http://lifeofanunorsister.blogspot.com/2012/07/forty-day-fast-for-truth-of-gospel.html

August 5-9 – Faith and Resistance Retreat in Washington, D.C., commemorating the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; contact Art Laffin at artlaffin@hotmail.com for more information

Sept. 7 – Momentum 2012 with Bishop Gumbleton, Bishop Kevin Dowling and Teacher of Peace Ruben Garcia at Trinity University in Washington, D.C., http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/momentum-2012/

Sept. 15 – Regional Dialogue in Atlanta, GA: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Sept. 21 – International Day of Peace

Sept. 29 – Regional Dialogue in Illinois: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Quicklinks:

PC Pacific NW member Nick Mele writes on various peace and justice topics on his blog, The Disconnect … Pax Christi Florida member Pat Mahon reflects on Hiroshima on his blog, ChristFaithPower … Pat O’Neill had his letter in support of the Transform Now Plowshares published in the Knoxville (TN) newspaper … Pax Christi El Paso is showing “The Good War and Those Who Refused to Fight It” for August … PC Metro NY Director Rosemarie Pace was quoted in a comment on the New York Daily News’ website regarding the theater attack in Aurora … Pax Christi Mariposa hosted a speech by Dan Flaming of the Economic Roundtable in July … Pax Christi members in the Bay-Area (CA) are supporting Hyatt housekeepers in their boycott of Hyatt Hotels … Pax Christi Illinois member Tom Cordaro has a series running on the PCUSA website critiquing the theology and practice of nonviolence from an anti-racist perspective … See more local and regional updates in the summer edition of The Peace Current …

Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to jzokovitch@paxchristiusa.org.

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Posted in Calendar, Local Group News, News, On The Line, Regional Dialogues, Regional Events, Regional News

Tagged Art Laffin, Bishop Gumbleton, Bishop Kevin Dowling, Dan Flaming, Dave Atwood, Erie Benedictines, faith and resistance retreat, Hiroshima, International Day of Peace, Jo Clarke, Justice for Janitors, LCWR, Momentum 2012, Nick Mele, Pat Mahon, Pat O'Neill, Patricia Mary Schulder, Pax Christi, Pax Christi Atlanta, Pax Christi El Paso, Pax Christi Florida, Pax Christi Harrisburg, Pax Christi Houston, Pax Christi Illinois., Pax Christi Indianapolis, Pax Christi Mariposa, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Pax Christi Metro New York, Pax Christi Michigan, Pax Christi New Mexico, Pax Christi Northern California, Pax Christi Pacific Northwest, Pax Christi Pomona Valley, Pax Christi Richmond, Pax Christi Rochester, Pax Christi St. Maurice, Peggy Atwood, Rosemarie Pace, Ruben Garcia, Slave Trail Walk, Ted Majdosz, Tom Cordaro

NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT: On Hiroshima Day, let us pray-study-act for peace

Posted on August 6, 2012 | Comments Off

Last month, Bud Ryan and Ellie Voutselas of Pax Christi New Mexico put together a Pray-Study-Act e-bulletin (PSA) to help Pax Christi USA members and friends commemorate the anniversary of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Below is the introduction to that PSA and a link to the full e-bulletin.

If we just had two of Christ’s statements – “Put down your sword,” and “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” we should know that as Christians we should be opposed to nuclear weapons. The bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, August 6 and 9, 1945, were a complete game-changer–for the first time people had the capacity to destroy whole cities, and a global paranoia began to spread about the bomb.

As we all know, those first atomic bombs were nothing compared to the hydrogen bombs that we have today as the first hydrogen bomb that the U.S. tested on November 1, 1952 was 450 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Nagasaki some seven years before. To quote General Omar Bradley, “The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than living.”

Today we live in a world where nine countries hold the world hostage to their nuclear terrorism. These nine countries possess 19,000 nuclear warheads with some 4,400 of those to be operational. Despite the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia still have nuclear weapons pointed at one another and on high alert. To quote former Secretary of State George Shultz, “It’s a very unstable situation. I think it’s outrageous.”

Now many will say that nuclear weapons have not been used in war since August 9, 1945–so why should we be worried? Even without the use of these genocidal weapons, their shadow looms across the world, because if we remember it was President Bush who was able to take our country into war against Iraq by saying, “Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, the smoking gun that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud.”

“The taproot of violence in our society today is our intent to use nuclear weapons. Once we have agreed to that, all other evil is minor in comparison. Until we squarely face the question of our consent to use nuclear weapons, any hope of large scale improvement of public morality is doomed to failure.” – Richard T. McSorley, SJ

Click here to read the entire Pray-Study-Act e-bulletin.

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Posted in Bread for the Journey, Nonviolence, Nuclear Disarmament, Peacemakers, Prayer, Resources, Take Action

Tagged Bud Ryan, Ellie Voutselas, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Pax Christi New Mexico

NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT: Pray-Study-Act for Hiroshima, Nagasaki anniversaries

Posted on July 12, 2012 | 1 Comment

The latest Prayer-Study-Action e-bulletin was prepared by Bud Ryan and Ellie Voutselas of Pax Christi New Mexico. The PSA focuses on the upcoming anniversaries of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and includes resources for prayer and study as well as action ideas for individuals and groups. Bud is a filmmaker whose documentary, The Forgotten Bomb, takes up the cause of nuclear disarmament. Ellie will be joining others in a hunger strike, beginning July 16th, to protest nuclear weapons and bring greater awareness to the cause of nuclear disarmament.

To see the PSA e-bulletin on the Hiroshima-Nagasaki anniversary, click here.

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Posted in Nuclear Disarmament, Prayer

Tagged Bud Ryan, Ellie Voutselas, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, nuclear disarmament, Pax Christi New Mexico

ON THE LINE: July edition features remembering PC-Burlington co-founder Marmete Hayes; Jim Gower, PC’s first peace ambassador; and more

Posted on July 11, 2012 | 1 Comment

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

PAX CHRISTI BURLINGTON CO-FOUNDER – PRESENTE! Marguerite Corliss Hayes, better known as Marmete, one of the founding members of Pax Christi Burlington in Vermont, passed away on June 17 after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer. Sr. Miriam Ward, her close friend and care-giver was at her side. Marmete taught religious education and spoke at parishes across Vermont about religious customs in the home. She was inspired by Dorothy Day, the Catholic Worker and the Berrigan brothers, and had a lifelong journey working for peace and justice. In 1981, she cofounded a new chapter of Pax Christi in Burlington, promoting peace and justice and addressing issues such as violence, nuclear weapons, oppression in Central America, the U.S.-led wars in Iraq, and the School of the Americas. You can read more about Marmete from her obituary and the eulogy given at her funeral: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/07/10/obituary-marmete-hayes-co-founder-of-pax-christi-burlington-vermont/

Marmete Hayes, co-founder of Pax Christi Burlington (VT)

PAX CHRISTI METRO DC-BALTIMORE CHAIR’S REFLECTION FOR TORTURE SURVIVORS WEEK: “Hello, my name is Bob More, and I’m the Chairperson of Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, which is the regional affiliate of Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement. (‘Pax Christi’ is Latin for ‘the peace of Christ.’) We are honored to be partners with TASSC in the vital work of abolishing torture and holding accountable those who authorize it. We bring greetings of peace and solidarity to TASSC members and supporters as you conclude your annual Torture Survivors Week with this vigil in Lafayette Park. Two weeks ago, Catholic Christians around the world celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi, which is Latin for ‘the body of Christ.’ Corpus Christi holds great significance for us as Christians, on three main levels…” To read the entire reflection, click here: http://www.paxchristimetrodc.org/2012/06/27/reflection-for-tassc-survivor-week-vigil/

Justice for Janitors campaign in Houston

Pax Christi Houston has been very supportive of the Justice for Janitors campaign for a livable wage in Houston.

PAX CHRISTI MEMPHIS LOSES LONG-TIME MEMBER FR. JOHN VALENTINE ATKINSON: “We are sad to report the death of longtime Pax Christi Memphis member Fr. John Atkinson, on the morning of June 7, 2012. Fr. John passed peacefully after an extended illness. He has been visited by many of his loving friends in the past few days. He will be fondly remembered by his Pax Christi friends and by all those whom he served as priest,” stated the PC-Memphis website.

PAX CHRISTI’S FIRST PEACE AMBASSADOR, REV. JIM GOWER: “Jim Gower—the Rev. James Manley Gower—should be remembered by Pax Christi USA before he is altogether gone from us. Jim, 90, now resides in a nursing home, suffering dementia. Jim, a direct descendant of the ‘noble Gower,’ the medieval poet celebrated by Shakespeare, World War II Navy veteran, and long-time Portland, ME, diocesan priest, should be remembered as an exemplary witness, in Maine and nationwide, to the nonviolent Jesus and to the priest in service to his community. Remembered throughout the country because his recognition of the centrality of peace in the Gospel and alarm at the madness of mutually assured nuclear destruction occasioned him becoming, after Dorothy Day–the perpetual peace journeyer, the first PCUSA peace ambassador. Shortly after his discovery of Pax in England and Pax Christi’s foundation here, in the early 80s, Jim met a need of the fledgling PCUSA movement. He took a two-year leave of absence and visited any parish, school, or seminary anywhere that would give him a hearing about Pax Christi as an instrument of peacemaking. He made two coast to coast to coast circuits, clocking 25,000 miles, living hand to mouth, asking only gas money to the next stop. Years after, early Pax Christi members would ask anyone from Maine if they knew Jim…” Read the entire article at http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/06/27/news-rev-jim-gower-the-first-ambassador-of-peace-for-pax-christi-usa/

PAX CHRISTI STATEN ISLAND (NY) LEADS DOROTHY DAY PILGRIMAGE: “The 20th Annual Pax Christi Dorothy Day Pilgrimage was held June 16 in Pleasant Plains. Participants started at the office of Resurrection Cemetery in Pleasant Plains, where Ms. Day is buried, and proceeded to the former Spanish Camp, where Ms. Day’s cottage once stood, walking on the beach as she did. The final stop was at Our Lady Help of Christians R.C. Church in Tottenville, where Ms. Day and her daughter were baptized…” Read the article announcing the pilgrimage here: http://www.silive.com/worship/2012/06/remembering_dorothy_day.html

PC Palm Beach members participated in a solidarity prayer vigil & procession outside the Cathedral of the Diocese of Palm Beach in Palm Beach Gardens in May.

PAX CHRISTI USA HIRES NEW DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS: Pax Christi USA announced that Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau, SNDdeN has joined the national staff as the Director of Programs. Sr. Nadeau’s responsibilities will include developing, implementing and overseeing the programs of Pax Christi USA related to its primary initiative areas of the spirituality of non-violence and peacemaking; disarmament, demilitarization and reconciliation with justice; economic and interracial justice in the United States; and human rights and global restoration.“Pax Christi USA is delighted to welcome Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau, SNDdeN, to our national staff. As Director of Programs, Sister brings her talents and skills to assist PCUSA in the implementation of national programs based on its priority initiatives,” stated Sr. Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA. Read the entire announcement here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/07/05/news-sister-of-notre-dame-de-namur-joins-pax-christi-usa-as-director-of-programs/

Upcoming Events:

July 1-August 9 – Forty Day Fast for the Truth of Gospel Nonviolence, http://lifeofanunorsister.blogspot.com/2012/07/forty-day-fast-for-truth-of-gospel.html
July 18-21 – National Black Catholic Congress in Indianapolis, visit http://www.nbccongress.org/congress-xi/default.asp
July 28 – Regional dialogue with PCUSA national leadership, local groups and members in St. Louis: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/
August 4-6 – Pax Christi New Mexico with other groups invites you to participate in Nuke Free Now, a weekend event Aug. 4-6^th in Santa Fe and Los Alamos , N.M. Please see www.nukefreenow.org for complete information.
August 5-9 – Faith and Resistance Retreat in Washington, D.C., commemorating the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; contact Art Laffin at artlaffin@hotmail.com for more information

Quicklinks:

Pax Christi Central Seattle will be starting the Just Peacemaking module from PCUSA and JustFaith Ministries in August. Contact pc.centralseattle@gmail.com for more information … Pax Christi Indianapolis member Fran Quigley will be speaking on “What is a Peaceful Society?” on August 4 at Veterans for Peace meeting. Contact VFPindianapolis@gmail.com for more info … Pax Christi New Orleans member Kevin Cahalan spoke on July 14 at the Gillespie Memorial Community Breakfast … Beth Begley of Pax Christi Metro New York and the Pax Christi rep to the UN sent us this video on the Arms Trade Treaty … Pax Christi Long Island started this petition in support of the LCWR … Welcome to the new Pax Christi local group started in Prescott, AZ … Art Laffin of the Dorothy Day CW in DC did an excellent prayer service on ending the use of drones … Pax Christi Reno (NV) hosted a Labyrinth Walk and Candlelight Vigil on June 24^th to commemorate the 15th Annual United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors … See more local and regional updates in the summer edition of The Peace Current …