Catholic Commission for Social Justice

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Families and inclusive societies

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Post date May 13, 2018

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI

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.”

Tags family life, human development, society

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Working towards an AIDS-free Caribbean

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Post date May 6, 2018

In today’s Gospel reading (Jn 15: 9–17) we focus on the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us: “love one another, as I have loved you“. If we are to “remain” in Christ, we must follow this Commandment.

In May 2015, Pope Francis, on reflecting on this Gospel reading, said: “…true love is real, it is in the works it does, it is a constant love. It is not a mere enthusiasm…the works of love are what Jesus teaches us in the passage from the 25^th chapter of St Matthew. He, who loves, does these things…even the Beatitudes, which are Jesus’ ‘pastoral plan’…There is no love without communicating…True love cannot isolate itself. If it is isolated, it is not love…To abide in the love of Jesus means doing things, it is, an ability to communicate, to dialogue, both with the Lord and with our brothers and sisters.”

Tags AIDS, HIV, PANCAP

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PANCAP Meeting

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Post date May 2, 2018

Joint Regional Dialogue with Faith Leaders, Parliamentarians, Civil Society Leaders, National AIDS Programme Managers and Youth Leaders, April 24–25, 2018, Hyatt Hotel, Port of Spain

Tags HIV

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The call to be holy

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Post date April 29, 2018

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty.” (Jn 15:5)

There is an inextricable link between the teachings in today’s Gospel (John 15:1–8) and Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) which calls us to holiness—“the most attractive face of the Church”.

Tags holiness, Pope Francis

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Conserving the divine harmony

Post author By Web administrator
Post date April 22, 2018

“Our planet is a mother for all of us. We must hand it on to our children, cared for and improved, because it’s a loan they make to us” (Pope Francis).

Today, April 22, the world observes International Mother Earth Day. God’s plan for humanity is that we should protect the natural world which He created to sustain us. He wants us to enjoy the beauty of creation and to live in harmony with His creation. Each year, millions of people commit to be proactive stewards and advocates for the earth, to address ecological degradation that continues to impact all areas of our lives. But are we doing enough to turn back the tide? Are we Catholics acting on the teaching of our Church e.g. in Pope Francis’ encyclical: Laudato Si: on care for our common home? Do we understand that authentic integral human development is inextricably linked to ecological justice?

Tags Earth Day, environment