Catholic Commission for Social Justice
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
Thursday, December 10 is Human Rights Day. The theme, Recover Better— Stand Up for Human Rights relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring human rights are central to recovery efforts.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery will be observed on Wednesday, December 2. As the UN states: “Slavery is not merely a historical relic. According to the International Labour Organization more than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery. Although modern slavery is not defined in law, it is used as an umbrella term covering practices such as forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Essentially, it refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power. In addition, more than 150 million children are subject to child labour, accounting for almost one in ten children around the world.”
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ King of the Universe. Pope Francis urges us to “embrace the Gospel as the compass of our lives.” Today’s Gospel (Matt 25:31–46) shows us where “true North” lies.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
“Lazarus is a good example of the silent cry of the poor throughout the ages and the contradictions of a world in which immense wealth and resources are in the hands of the few” – Pope Francis.
The Archdiocesan observance of Justice, Peace and Community Week (JPCW) commenced on Saturday, November 14 and ends on Saturday 21. A calendar of events for the week is here, as well as a Prayer Supplement produced by the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office on pages 12 and 13 in Catholic News.
The theme of JPCW this year is the same theme that Pope Francis has chosen for his message for the 4th World Day of the Poor: “Stretch forth your hand to the poor” (Sirach 7:32). World Day of the Poor is observed today, Sunday November 15. It was established by Pope Francis in 2016.
SOME PLANNED ACTIVITIES: All Archdiocesan Departments, Clergy, Catholic Schools, Ecclesial Communities, Religious Congregations, and Catholic organisations are encouraged to plan activities (virtual where necessary) to observe Justice, Peace and Community Week (JPCW).