Benedictine Sr. Mary Lou Kownacki, who died in early 2023, served as one of the early leaders of Pax Christi USA, including many years as national coordinator (executive director); she was named Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace in 2006.
On Saturday, July 13, 11 AM Pacific/2 PM Eastern, Fr. John Dear, director of the Beatitudes Center, has invited Benedictine Sr. Anne McCarthy, another former Pax Christi USA national coordinator, to reflect with us on Mary Lou’s spirituality of nonviolence.
For Mary Lou, a spirituality of nonviolence meant a life of public service for people who are poor and in need, as well as prophetic speaking against the structures of violence, injustice and war, and steadfast movement organizing in the tradition of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to create a new culture of nonviolence—but also then a whole other world of inner and interpersonal nonviolence, which she learned from her Benedictine tradition.
Mary Lou practiced faithful, devout prayer and contemplation every day of her life, which rooted and grounded her peacemaking work in the God of peace. She taught, organized, envisioned new projects, gave speeches, held countless meetings and zooms with “Monasteries of the Heart,” while serving inner-city children and their mothers in Erie. A spirituality of nonviolence for her meant that she was always building community, forming friendships, and making life easier and better for everyone everywhere. It was as simple—and as difficult—as that.
Mary Lou’s teachings a basic every day spirituality of nonviolence: reverence and loving kindness toward every human being and all creation; forgiveness toward everyone who ever hurt you and healing and reconciliation with broken relationships; pondering God as unconditional love and infinite mercy; reliance on God with steadfast service to others; pitching in to help the grassroots movements for justice, equality, disarmament and creation; building good friendships and widening the beloved community in everything you do; living in the present moment of God’s peace; and cultivating wonder, beauty, gratitude and joy so that you are always on the side of resurrection.
She was clear too: never harm another human being ever again. Instead, try to love yourself and every human being, and show that love in concrete deeds, especially toward those being marginalized or killed by our nation. Speak out publicly for justice and disarmament; don’t give up on peace and justice work; and make every day a living prayer for peace. Take risks for justice and peace, and envision new ways to build a culture of nonviolence. Keep at it till the end.
Her spirituality of nonviolence was not overly pious, but it was seriously practical. This is where her Benedictine monasticism flavored her approach to nonviolence so that her pursuit of nonviolence led to new projects, programs, movements and visions that actually helped people.
Join the Beatitudes Center on July 13 as Sr. Anne McCarthy reflects on the spirituality and practice of Gospel nonviolence. This session will last an hour and a half; cost is $30. Scholarships are available!
You will receive a recording of the event two days after it, in case you were not able to attend the live program, or want to watch it again.
Cancellation policy: Refunds will not be honored after the zoom link is sent out. If you have any questions, please email Kassandra at: beatitudescentermb@gmail.com
After reading “The forgotten Peace Formula” by Franz Jedlicka I think everyone of us must advocate for a legal ban of child corporal punishment and the #ratifycrc issue. Our country might never become peaceful when already children’s rights are ignored.
Christina