Catholic Commission for Social Justice
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty.” (Jn 15:5)
There is an inextricable link between the teachings in today’s Gospel (John 15:1–8) and Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) which calls us to holiness—“the most attractive face of the Church”.
“Our planet is a mother for all of us. We must hand it on to our children, cared for and improved, because it’s a loan they make to us” (Pope Francis).
Today, April 22, the world observes International Mother Earth Day. God’s plan for humanity is that we should protect the natural world which He created to sustain us. He wants us to enjoy the beauty of creation and to live in harmony with His creation. Each year, millions of people commit to be proactive stewards and advocates for the earth, to address ecological degradation that continues to impact all areas of our lives. But are we doing enough to turn back the tide? Are we Catholics acting on the teaching of our Church e.g. in Pope Francis’ encyclical: Laudato Si: on care for our common home? Do we understand that authentic integral human development is inextricably linked to ecological justice?
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director CREDI
On Wednesday, April 4, the world marked the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr (MLK). I attended two events organised by Christian Aid in London to mark the occasion – a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey and a symposium: Exploring what justice looks like, held at St Margaret’s Church, next to the Abbey.
I was seated in a pew next to Baroness Doreen Lawrence, OBE, whose 18 year old son, Stephen, was murdered by racists 25 years ago. As I greeted her afterwards, I recalled her many years of tireless struggle for justice. Only two men have been convicted for this crime. Racism in Britain is as rampant as ever – as it is in many parts of our world.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ, & Director, CREDI
“The family is important, and it is necessary for the survival of humanity. Without the family, the cultural survival of the human race would be at risk.” – Pope Francis, 2013
I am in London at the moment and have been discussing with friends the impact of poverty on families/children in the UK. Child Poverty Action Group reports that “poverty affects one in four children in the UK today… poverty isn’t inevitable. With the right policies every child can have the opportunity to do well in life, and we all share the rewards of having a stronger economy and a healthier, fairer society.”
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ, & Director, CREDI
“Christ has really, truly, and substantially risen, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, from the dead. The whole Christ has risen indeed for the completion of the work of our redemption.” Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Happy Easter! Christ is risen! His death and resurrection opened the door to a new life for us. The crown of thorns was a crown of victory—a triumph over sin and death. Pope Francis has reminded us that “life, which death destroyed on the cross, now reawakens and pulsates anew. The heartbeat of the Risen Lord is granted us as a gift, a present, a new horizon…”