A homecoming – a reunion – a celebration – a meeting of hearts and minds: These are just a few words to describe the incredible experience of participating in the Pax Christi International 80th anniversary convening in Firenze (Florence), Italy, as Pax Christi leaders from around the world celebrated 80 years of being a consistent presence for reconciliation and nonviolence amidst the various and ongoing violent conflicts around the world. (Pictured at right, Charlene Howard with Kanini Kimau, a nonviolence trainer from Kenya.)
Executive Director Charlene Howard and National Council member Jeff Sved attended as official representatives of Pax Christi USA.
During the gathering, held November 5-9, participants heard presentations provided by Pax Christi International members, board members, and guest speakers who brought into clear focus the threats to peace experienced around the globe but also the progress and successes being realized through nonviolent resistance and advocacy. Attendees had multiple opportunities to process the details from each presentation in small groups, with special contributions from young adult attendees. Sofi, a young adult leader from the Philippines (pictured left), addressed the group with accolades for Pax Christi’s work in general but with particular focus on how its steadfast witness draws young people to the work of peacebuilding. She noted that, inspired by this movement, young people are not asking for permission to pursue nonviolent means of standing for peace in their communities. She praised Pax Christi for its support, guidance, and accompaniment.
Every morning, a different region of Pax Christi began the day’s convening with prayer. Of particular note was an explanation given by the European region of the icon of reconciliation (pictured right) which stands as a symbol of Pax Christi International. The icon, created by a monk from the Monastery of St John in the Desert near Jerusalem, depicts the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau found in Genesis 33:1-17, with scenes of other scriptural stories of transformative restoration between people. Pax Christi USA’s contribution to the Americas section’s spirituality moment on Saturday morning was to share about the seven US Americans of African descent who also represent South, Central and North America through their places of origin and their ministries.
Other highlights from this historic gathering was a pilgrimage to Casa per la Pace, a 500-year old villa gifted to Pax Christi Florence. There, the young adults lead a beautiful prayer vigil around a candlelit peace sign while chanting, “Peace is the language of the heart” in their respective languages while encouraging those in attendance to do the same. Another pivotal moment was the compilation of the Firenze Commitment 2025-2026, based on the input from the various meetings which took place throughout the four day convening.
Finally, the Pax Christi International Peace Award was presented to the Diocese of El Paso, TX (with Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Celino, second from left in photo below, on hand to receive the award), Annunciation House, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, and Hope Border Institute for their work in accompanying and advocating for migrants crossing the southern US border. Charlene Howard served as mistress of ceremonies for the occasion.
In all, the 80th anniversary convening of Pax Christi International was a great success due to the hard work, dedication and faith of its international members. Pax Christi USA is committed to continuing and strengthening our relationships with our Pax Christi sister sections to build peace through collaborative efforts.
