By Zahirah Mohammed, CCSJ/AMMR, Administrative Facilitator
There are over 7.5 billion persons on Earth (US Census Bureau, International Data Base). Each individual is created in God’s image and likeness, unique, loved, and cherished.
Category: columns2021
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Church clear on vaccinations
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & AMMR
As disciples of Christ, each of us has a duty to use our God-given talents to promote integral human development and to build the common good.
In the face of the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis, Archbishop Jason Gordon and many others have been encouraging us to take the vaccine to protect our lives and that of others.
Pope Francis has stated that in receiving the vaccine, “we are truly showing love for our neighbour and our God.” I have had my two doses of the vaccine.
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Love is for the brave
By Ambrosio A. Valerio Rojas, CCSJ/AMMR, Migrant Support Officer/Translator
“The distinguishing mark of the Christian, today more than ever, must be love for the poor, the weak and the suffering. Living this demanding commitment requires a total reversal of the supposed values that make people seek only their good: power, pleasure, the unscrupulous accumulation of wealth. Yes, it is precisely to this radical conversion that Christ’s disciples are called” (St John Paul II).
Today we see how charity, goodwill and helping others suffer from a social virus that seems to affect the protection and care of the most vulnerable communities.
By Fr Curtis G Poyer, CCSJ/AMMR
In August and September of 2020 at the height of the pandemic, we celebrated the Sacraments of First Communion, and Confirmation, four candidates each Sunday, for the five Sundays of August and then the four of September.
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Strengthening marriage and family
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & AMMR
“My hands used to be sweaty, but Grandma didn’t mind. She would hold on to my sweaty hand as we walked; chatting with me about what I had done at school that day. I always felt safe in her care.”
As my niece spoke, I could still visualise her holding on to her Grandma’s hand as she walked her home from school as a child.
This week our Archdiocese is observing Marriage and Family Life. Today, July 25, we also observe the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which Pope Francis instituted to take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne (Monday, July 26), the grandparents of Jesus.