Catholic Commission for Social Justice
“Migrants and refugees do not represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved”—Pope Francis.
On Saturday, March 23, CCSJ/the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR), organised a meeting/training session for parishes assisting them as they seek to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and refugees.
The world will commemorate the UN International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade tomorrow (Monday, March 25) which commenced in the 15th century. Let’s offer up our prayers for the repose of the souls of the millions of Africans and their descendants whose human rights were violated.
“Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married or own a house, as if life was some kind of grocery list. But no one ever asks you if you are happy.”—Heath Ledger
On Wednesday, March 20, the world will observe International World Day of Happiness. The theme is Happier Together. It focuses on what we have in common, rather than what divides us.
See the statistics from the 2018 World Happiness Report (2017 figures). T&T ranks 38 out of 156 countries. Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are the happiest countries in the world.
On March 8 the world observed International Women’s Day (IWD). The 2019 theme is: Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.
As the UN states, the theme “focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure….Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trends indicate a growing gender digital divide and women are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. It prevents them from developing and influencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society….it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.”
IT was with great joy that many of us gathered at the Church of St Philip and St James, Chaguanas, on Saturday, February 23 to celebrate the ordination to the Order of the Diaconate of Stephan Alexander, Kwesi Alleyne, Kenwyn Sylvester and Mikkel Trestrail—conferred upon them by Archbishop Jason Gordon. What a moment of grace!