Category: columns2017

columns2017

Together for Peace

Post author By Web administrator
Post date September 17, 2017

Exhausted Rohingya refugees rest on the shore in Shah Porir Dwip, Bangladesh, after crossing by boat through the Bay of Bengal September 10. (CNS photo/Danish Siddiqui, Reuters)

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair CCSJ, and Director, CREDI

On Thursday, September 21, the world will observe the International Day of Peace. The theme for 2017, “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All, honours the spirit of TOGETHER, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life” (UN).

Here in T&T, Ruben Barbado, Protection Officer at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, continues to collaborate with the Living Water Community. We can and must do better to meet the needs of our brothers/sisters who are refugees/asylum seekers from over 21 nationalities in T&T.

Tags discrimination, event, peace

columns2017

A Catholic perspective on Democracy

Post author By Web administrator
Post date September 10, 2017

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI

On Friday, September 15, the world will observe the International Day of Democracy. This year’s theme, Democracy and conflict prevention “focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability. A more integrated approach to foster resilient societies calls for effective and inclusive democratic governance with respect for human rights and the rule of law”.

Tags democracy

columns2017

Being charitable

Post author By Web administrator
Post date September 3, 2017

“Unless those who call themselves Christians live to serve, their lives serve no good purpose” (Pope Francis).

On September 5, the world will observe the International Day of Charity. The day was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the death of St Teresa of Kolkata. The UN urges us “to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, including through education and public awareness-raising activities” as “charity contributes to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding among people”.

If we are to do as Pope Francis said in his 2014 Lenten message and “bear witness to the Gospel message to those who live in material, moral and spiritual poverty”, we must do more than just give to the poor those things that we no longer want, or dole out a few dollars to those who beg on our streets.

Tags charity, poverty

columns2017

An Independence commitment

Post author By Web administrator
Post date August 27, 2017

A toddler waves a miniature national flag at the 2015 Independence Parade. Photo: Elmo Griffith.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.” (CCC 2239)

On Thursday, August 31, we will celebrate 55 years of Independence. Let us give thanks to God for our democracy, our freedom and for the many gifts that He has bestowed upon us. Remember with gratitude those who laboured in the vineyard and sacrificed much to gain our Independence. Reflect on how far we have come and what we need to do to go forward.

Tags Independence

columns2017

Stop pillaging our common home

Post author By Web administrator
Post date August 20, 2017

File photo: A Leather Back turtle prepares to lay its eggs at Matura, May 2009.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“A Christian who doesn’t safeguard creation, who doesn’t make it flourish, is a Christian who isn’t concerned with God’s work, that work born of God’s love for us.” Pope Francis, February 9, 2015.

How many of you have read Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si? This is a must read. In it, the Holy Father highlights the environmental crisis that the earth faces. He also explores the causes/roots of the crisis and shares remedies to promote integral ecology.

Tags environment