Development and Peace

Fall Workshop

The Saint John Diocesan Council for Development and Peace will hold its Fall Campaign Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Holy Family Church, 1500 Hanwell Road, Fredericton, and beginning at 10 am to 2 pm.

Adah Ogbe, our D&P Maritime Regional Animator, will present the workshop on the Fall Campaign, Turn Debt into Hope. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

If you cannot attend in person, you can join the meeting virtually, via Zoom.
The link to REGISTER for the meeting is below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with the meeting link. Click link to register via Zoom.

I hope you will be able to join us, either in person or virtually. Everyone is invited to attend. We are looking for new members. If you questions or are interested in the work of this Council, please speak to Judy Kelly.

Urgent Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) recently issues a statement by the Permanent Council on the crisis in Gaza including a recent statement from Pope Leo XIV, “…with profound concern, that the “dire humanitarian situation in Gaza” and the “barbarism of war” causing it must be ended immediately.” He has advocated for the provision of humanitarian aid to the stricken civilian population as well as the release of hostages and detainees on both sides. The Holy Father has appealed to the international community “to observe humanitarian law and to respect the obligation to protect civilians, as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population” in Gaza. He has reiterated his call for a ceasefire and a resolution that will bring lasting peace. Please click on the following link to read the entire statement from the CCCB: Statement by the CCCB

“They will hammer their swords into ploughshares and their spears into sickles. Nation will not lift sword against nation, no longer will they learn how to make war.” Isaiah 2:4


Prayer for Peace:

God of peace, bearer of hope, we seek your help for the peoples of the Middle East. Quiet the clamour of war and guide us towards peace.

Where there is hatred and division sow seeds of calm and openness. Where there is destruction help us to rebuild. Where children are crying bring an end to tears.

Shelter your peoples and protect them. Guide them and keep them from harm. Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear and breathe whispers of hope. Amen.
Linda Jones/CAFOD

Meanwhile, Caritas Jerusalem, with Caritas Internationalis, all our Members worldwide and the whole humanitarian community is ready to respond to the horrific humanitarian conditions in Gaza immediately and at scale as soon as safe access is granted. We proved during the ceasefire we could do this and we must be allowed to do it again.

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