Catholic Commission for Social Justice
I watched the video-clip on Facebook in which six girls in school uniform at a school in north Trinidad were smoking what has been described as ‘spliffs’. The Minister of Education has asked for a report and the matter has been referred to the police.
The incident should lead us to reflect on issues relating to home/school/community links. This is a wake-up call for all our families and schools to be alert to this danger.
On Tuesday, May 15, the world will observe the International Day of Families on the theme: Families and inclusive societies.
The UN states: “Although families all over the world have transformed greatly over the past decades in terms of their structure and as a result of global trends and demographic changes, the UN still recognises the family as the basic unit of society. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them…This year’s observance will explore the role of families and family policies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.”
The world observed International Day of Families last Monday (May 15). The United Nations stated that the theme this year, Families, education and well-being focused on “the role of families and family-oriented policies in promoting education and overall well-being of their members. In particular, the Day is to raise awareness of the role of families in promoting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities for children and youth”.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.
This Christmas morn, let us all rejoice in the birth of Jesus, our Saviour. Love incarnate – true God and true man – came down to earth to save wounded humanity; and to open the door to eternal salvation. He came, not because we deserved to be saved, but because of our Father’s bountiful grace and mercy.
Today is Pentecost Sunday. While we thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit who was given to us to renew the face of the earth, let us reflect on the words of Fr Tommy Lane: “What would the Church be like if it were vibrant with the Holy Spirit?…I ask you to pray that the Church may receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit…so that the Church may fly!” May the Holy Spirit open our hearts so that we will reach out to those who need our love and attention, particularly our families.