Author: Mark Cachia

75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 60th anniversary of Pacem in Terris

On 10 December 1948 the General Assembly of  the  United  Nations  adopted  the  Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Seventy-five years later Justice and Peace Europe wishes to underline the enduring importance of this document. The Universal Declaration, together with the encyclical letter Pacem in Terris, published 60 years ago, inspires us in our mission to promote human rights. The lack of respect throughout the world for their contents is deeply worrying… Read more »

Commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights amidst escalating violence

The commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the 10th December this year is taking place in the shadow of an ever-widening spiral of violence, risking humanity’s condemnation to a future of unimaginable pain, fear, and destruction. In response, the Justice and Peace Commission unreservedly condemns the horrific acts of violence that are once again ravaging the Holy Land and its people and calls for a radical shift from a global paradigm of violent war and revenge to a paradigm of just peace and reconciliation… Read more »

A peace that is built on justice – Bishop Galea-Curmi

Homily by Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi (The Chapel of Our Lady of Manresa at the Archbishop’s Curia, Floriana, 13/11/2023)

The first words in today’s readings are: “Love justice” (Wisdom 1:1). In his Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis emphasizes that peace is built on justice. It is proactive, and aims at forming a society based on service to others and on the pursuit of reconciliation and mutual development (cf Fratelli Tutti, 229)… Read more »

Written in blood

In this time of seismic change and instability, many of us are finding the scale of injustice overwhelming. It can be inspiring to look to the Christian martyrs for justice whose lives were “written in blood” – extraordinary people whose stories of truth, justice and peace, in the face of indifference and opposition, offered witness to a hope-filled future of solidarity and fraternity. But what are the causes of injustice in our time, and what does it mean to live a life written in blood today? … Read more »

Justice and Peace Europe has a new co-presidency

The General Assembly of Justice and Peace Europe elected for the first time in its history a co- presidency on Monday, 13 November in Malta. Archbishop Antoine Hérouard of Dijon and Maria Hammershoy from Copenhagen were elected for a period of three years by the approximately 50 delegates representing 20 European Justice and Peace commissions. On 10 November Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development was the key-note speaker in the opening ceremony of an International Workshop on “the changing world of work” which preceded the General Assembly… Read more »

HopeGen

If you are between 18-30 years old, interested in socio-political issues, and would like to contribute towards the building of a more just and fair society, this project is for you!

If you believe that:

  • Positive change in society is possible, and starts with our individual participation,
  • Giving up is not an option,
  • Politics, when directed towards the common good, is one of the highest forms of charity,

we invite you to register your interest in “HopeGen”… Read more »

Written in Blood

On Sunday the 12th of November at 18:30, Justice and Peace Europe will be hosting its annual lecture in the oratory of St John’s co-Cathedral, Valletta. Among other masterpieces, this oratory hosts the painting depicting the Beheading of St John the Baptist, by the Italian maestro Caravaggio who signed his name in the blood of the Baptist.

Even today, there are people whose stories of truth, justice and peace are Written in blood… Read more »

The changing world of work – a transversal justice issue

On the 10th and 11th of November, the Justice and Peace Commission is organising an international workshop on the theme of The changing world of work – a transversal justice issue. This workshop will seek to analyse the different ways in which the world of work is changing in Europe and explore the social and economic consequences of these rapid changes. The plenary meetings and small group workshops planned over these two days will help shed light on the risk to workers’ rights which are being magnified by the evolving nature of work, whilst also giving space to examples of work practices which are respectful of the dignity and rights of workers… Read more »

In the image of a loving and merciful God

In the last days much has been written about comments made on the national station with regards to disabilities as fruit of original sin. I, myself have struggled with this Biblical narrative for several years. However, the Church’s teaching shows us that such an approach provides a shallow reading of what is meant by ‘perfection/imperfection’ in the creation story.

When we view people with disabilities as “unperfect” or inferior, we risk embracing a utilitarian view of humanity… Read more »

The people of God gather in prayer before Synod

On Saturday, 30th of September, the “Gathering of the People of God” took place. At the invitation of Pope Francis, in the presence of around forty church leaders from various denominations, this vigil entrusted to the Holy Spirit the work of the synodal assembly of the Catholic Church which will begin on Wednesday 4th of October.

During the ecumenical prayer vigil which was organised by the Taizé Community, Pope Francis emphasised the importance of silence in our spiritual life… Read more »