Peace and non violence, January 1st 2017
Summary of the message of Pope Francis for the World Day of Peace, January 1st 2017 It was Paul VI who initiated the World Day of Peace. It is celebrated every year on the 1st of January. “Non-violence: a style of politics for peace.” This is the title of the Pope’s message for the 50th World Day of Peace on January 1st 2017. According to this message there are two ways to build a society: a choice between violence and peace. If the multiplication of outbreaks of violence, the “third world war fought piecemeal” of which the pope speaks, has very serious social consequences, on the contrary peace has positive social effects and allows real progress. Non-violence, a realistic way Thus Francis’ message encourages us “to do whatever is possible to negotiate paths of peace even if they seem tortuous, even impracticable.” Then, non-violence…
In the midst of the “poor”
At the “Poverello” in Brussels, I find myself in the midst of the “poor” of all kinds and from all over the world. These people need to eat, but also need attention and friendship. I often have the opportunity to speak Arabic. I am very happy; I go there once a week. The Poverello is an association in the area of the North Station in Brussels. At noon we serve hot meals to needy people, street people … We serve from 100 to 150 meals a day. This takes place in a very good atmosphere. I visit people living alone, disabled or elderly who need certain services: For a year I took communion to Gaby, a former prostitute who now elderly, does not “work” anymore. She has always lived in this neighborhood. Thus I was able to dip into this milieu–a very rewarding discovery. This woman…
Relations Africa – Europe
Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) AEFJN is a Christian Network that strives to eliminate injustice and to promote Equity and Economic Justice in the relations between Europe and Africa. We do that by lobbying (working towards promoting just legislation and transforming the laws that cause Injustice and poverty). The members are Catholic International religious Congregations working in Africa and in Europe. About 80,000 persons in Africa and Europe are involved directly or indirectly in the activities of AEFJN. The International Secretariat in Brussels lobbies the European Union while the 11 national antennae in Africa and Europe lobby the national Governments and Parliaments. AEFJN was born in 1988 from two calls The deteriorating of the economic situation in Africa, despite developments efforts, and the call of missionary congregations to transform that situation. The call of Pope John Paul II to the missionaries to be present…