Nonviolence: a style of politics for peace
Pax Christi, the international Catholic movement for peace, has reported a strong interest in its resources for the forthcoming Peace Sunday – celebrated in parishes across England and Wales on 15 January. Catholics across the two countries are taking up the challenge that Pope Francis issued in his World Peace message:
“Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace”.
The theme for 2017, ‘Nonviolence: a style of politics for peace’, seems to have captured the attention and imagination of individuals, communities and parishes. This is the first time that nonviolence has been explored as a force more powerful in seeking peace, recognising that it is not merely a tactic but a way of life.
Pax Christi has distributed more than 25,000 peace prayer cards in addition to liturgy booklets and study materials on the theme. Its members will be speaking as Masses, holding prayer vigils for peace and organising activities for children on the theme of peacemakng.
In his letter to parishes for Peace Sunday, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Archbishop of Liverpool and President of Pax Christi said:
“The message of Pope Francis offers a timely opportunity for our parishes to explore the Catholic tradition of nonviolence which goes back to Jesus, and to develop ways to make Gospel nonviolence better known.”
Pax Christi see Peace Sunday as the start of a year-long process of reflection and study of the message and all that it has to offer our world community in better responding to injustice and violence.
Resources for Peace Sunday can be found on Pax Christi’s site:
paxchristi.org.uk/news-and-events/peace-sunday/
catholicnews.org.uk/world-day-of-peace-2017
Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Peace.
