Catholic Commission for Social Justice
CCSJ would like to thank all those who observed Justice, Peace and Community Week (Saturday, October 20 to Saturday 27) on the theme: Caring for Creation: 8th Work of Mercy.
The week was launched with a live one-hour programme on TCN in which Archbishop Jason Gordon and I shared information on the theme and encouraged the faithful to act (see video-link on CCSJ’s website).
“Literacy is the skill that unlocks the gates of opportunity and success” —Barack Obama
As we celebrate the achievements of those who gained one of the 376 CAPE (formerly A’ Levels) scholarships this year, let us not forget those who continue to live in the ‘dark’ because they are either illiterate or functionally illiterate.
In August, Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Registrar, Glenroy Cumberbatch, said that about 11,000 pupils across the region who wrote the CSEC Exam (formerly O’ Levels) last May/June got no passes. I wonder how many face literacy challenges?
“Experiencing the need for change is the first step towards mainstreaming sustainability”—Sally Uren, CEO, Forum for the Future (2013).
In the face of disaster, it is heartening to see how our people can come together to help each other. Let’s keep the love flowing.
However, the aftermath of the recent floods must surely involve a review by all citizens of our disaster preparedness, but also our strategies for building sustainable and resilient cities, towns, villages and communities in general. On Wednesday October 31, the World will observe UN World Cities Day.
“In today’s world, hunger, violence and poverty cannot be understood apart from the changes and degradation affecting the environment.” Pope Francis.
During this Justice, Peace and Community Week (October 20–27), let’s dare to truly care for one of God’s greatest gifts to us: Creation. Our theme of this year is linked to Pope Francis’ declaration on September 1, 2016 of Caring for our Common Home as the 8th Work of Mercy—to be added to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
The archdiocesan observance of ‘Justice, Peace and Community Week’ on the theme: Caring for Creation: 8th Work of Mercy, commences on Saturday, October 20, and ends on Saturday 27. See Calendar of Events
In his message for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in 2016, entitled ‘Show mercy to our common home’, Pope Francis declared ‘Caring for Creation’ as the 8th Work of Mercy. Here are extracts from his message: