News

Simplicity is the Key for a flourishing family and a thriving society

On this day dedicated to the family, we ought to take some time to stop and reflect on this very important reality that forms the bedrock of our society. It is within the family that one learns that mutual respect, justice, dialogue and love are essential for successful coexistence.  If one proves to be responsible and to practice solidarity in the “little things”, it will be more likely to do so “in big things” too.  The family thereby makes an irreplaceable contribution to the “humanization of society” (C… Read more »

Workers’ Day 2020

This year’s celebration of Workers’ Day occurs in a somewhat unique context. A context in which the question of work is more pronounced than ever before. In the last weeks, many of us have experienced a complete change in the way we work. Some are working from home, for some it is impossible to work, and others have ended without a job. Then there are those whose work our society relies on, and whose contribution we cannot do without. 

The situation has made us question what truly is essential in our lives, and what value we are giving those whose work is essential at the moment… Read more »

Water and integral human development; the cry of the poor and of the Earth

“I thirst” These words were uttered by Jesus on the cross.  “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (Jn. 7:37) Jesus’s words attest to the fact that water is essential for the survival and well-being of all human beings.  The very definition of life requires water.  Astronomers look for water when evaluating the possibility of life on other planets. Aqua fons vitae (the document recently published by the Vatican) identifies three main dimensions relevant to water and its management: water for human use, water for human activities and water as space. 

The World Health Organisation has recognized that safe access to drinking water and sanitization is a human right.   Yet, several poor areas have their access to safe drinking water threatened by high prices imposed by the market.  Periods of drought remove freely available freshwater sources.   Lack of sanitation facilities expose women to sexual abuse and keep girls away from schools.  Chemical substances released into the waters from agricultural and industrial practices lead to bioaccumulation inside humans, and can potentially lead to irreversible detrimental health effects.  This underlines the importance of investing in sustainable water infrastructure in these countries.  It is worth noting that for every dollar invested in water and sanitation, it is possible to save up to 12 dollars in health costs alone.  It is everyone’s duty not to waste water and moderate consumption.  Wastewater treatment is beneficial and has a role in implementing a circular economy.  With everyone’s efforts, resources can be directed to help the poor achieve integral development… Read more »

He has conquered death, He is risen!

As an Easter greeting we would like to remember the words of Pope Francis, from the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelli Gaudium:

Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty… Read more »

“The poor will be always with you”

Today Pope Francis delivered a very strong homily about our responsibilities towards the poor and the vulnerable. He speaks of a reality which is global, and the points he makes are very much worth pondering.

…today I would like to dwell on a word of Jesus. Six days before Easter – we are right at the door of the Passion – Mary makes this gesture of contemplation: Martha served – like the other step – and Mary opens the door to contemplation… Read more »

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: A CALL TO SOLIDARITY WITH THE MOST VULNERABLE

STATEMENT BY VARIOUS CHURCH ENTITIES

Inthis time of crisis, described by many as a war footing of historical significance, when the country is shutting down and preparing for the days ahead, we urge the authorities to take further concrete measures to ensure that people living in poverty are not left without the basic necessities for a dignified life.

We are extremely concerned about the impact that the coronavirus outbreak will have on the most vulnerable members of our society… Read more »

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Blue eyes, brown, green or grey.  Blonde hair, auburn, brown or black.  Light or dark skinned.  Can it be more colourful than this?  We live in a world that embraces the beauty of all these colours, mixed and intertwined in a way that create unique hues.  There is no pink without red and white and similarly no green without yellow and blue.  In a way colours are interdependant and each colour is necessary… Read more »

Everything is in Relationship, Everything is Connected.

Read this reflection by Fr Joseph Hili currently living in Milan, which is one of the worst hit cities by the coronavirus epidemic in Italy. Inspired by Pope Francis’s words that “Everything is in relationship, everything is connected”, he makes us realise and appreciate the importance of our mundane tasks, whilst asking what is really important in our daily lives… Read more »

Stop, Look & Listen

[1]Stop, look and listen.

See how wonderful it is.

But don’t think just yet.

For thoughts can be beautiful pathways,

But they can also make you forget.

Be still, look, and listen.

Even a mind must rest to create its best.

So, do not worry, dear heart, head, and hands,

You will have your season to work and to play… Read more »

Justice and Peace Europe General Secretaries Meeting in Nicosia. 21-23 of February 2020.

Daniel Darmanin participated in the Meeting of the secretaries general of Justice and Peace Europe held in Nicosia between the 21st and 23rd of February. The meeting was also attended by  two delegates from the Holy See and members of the newly set up Cypriot commission. 

The delegates were welcomed by the Cypriot Maronite Archbishop, Joseph Antoine Soueif, who on behalf of the episcopal conference of Cyprus is responsible for Justice & Peace.   The Archbishop has been working for two years to set up the Commission, and the meeting served as the launching event… Read more »