Pace e Bene

On May 13, ACWR (Archdiocesan Council of Women Religious) held a meeting at Mariandale Retreat Center featuring a presentation by Pace e Bene, an organization dedicated to fostering justice, peace, and the well-being of all through education, resources, and action for nonviolent change.

Sam Chawla-Rios, representing Pace e Bene, presented the unique work of this organization and its approach to navigating the complexities of working for peace. Sam explained the “two hands of peace.” One hand is raised to stop evil, refuse cooperation with it, and take a stance of nonviolent interference. The other hand is extended in love and compassion, saying, “I have faith that you can do better.”

Sam also spoke about the different dimensions of peace: peace within ourselves, with one another, within society and culture, and with the earth. He introduced the Gandhian “Iceberg” model, in which direct action is the visible portion, while constructive programs for peace and self-purification remain largely hidden beneath the surface.

The visible aspects include protest, safety teams, singing revolution, contact with government representatives, support for legislation, non-cooperation, boycotts, preparation for shutdowns, and illuminating injustice by speaking openly about it.

The less visible aspects include communication skills, empathy circles, active listening, and fostering the capacity to love through grief circles, where immigrants can express their fears and hopes. This work also encourages a shift in consciousness toward the “Beloved Community,” supported by art, music, and writing, such as Love Letter to an ICE Agent by Kaira Jewel Lingo. The hidden dimension also emphasizes peace within oneself through meditation, prayer, slowing down, limiting exposure to mainstream news, seeking out nonviolent news sources such as Nonviolent News, finding beauty, and continuing to learn.

Sam encouraged everyone to reflect on their own spheres of influence and to engage in this important work, recognizing its demonstrated effectiveness. 

How can you practice nonviolence this week?

Mother's Day Prayer

 

Today we celebrate Mother's Day. This is a day to honor all mother's living and deceased. Let us pray for all mother's this day that they may know our gratitude for all they have done.

A Prayer in Gratitude for Our Mothers

Good and Gentle God,
we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.
Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.

• Author Unknown
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Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Today we hear the familiar story from John’s Gospel (John 14: 1-12) that assures us that in God’s house there are many dwelling places. Jesus assures us that om God’s house there are many dwelling places. In God’s house we all belong. There are many places in God’s house, and we all belong.

As I prayed this morning, the song Room at the Table by Carrie Newcomer kept coming to mind. The lyrics are:

Let our hearts not be hardened to those living on the margins
There is room at the table for everyone
This is where it all begins this is how we gather in
There is room at the table for everyone

Too long we have wandered burdened and undone
But there is room at the table for everyone
Let us sing the new world in this is how is all begins
There is room at the table for everyone

There is room for us all
And no gift is too small
There is room at the table for everyone
There's enough if we share
Come on pull up a chair
There is room at the table for everyone

No matter who you are no matter where you're from
There is room at the table for everyone
Here and now we can be the beloved community
There is room at the table for everyone

Songwriter: Carrie Ann Newcomer

This song has always had a profound impact on my heart. Jesus tells us that there is a place for everyone in God’s kingdom. Let us continue to have faith in the promise of Jesus that we will always be with God. God is love and all who live in God shall always be with God.