News

Dialogue between generations, education and work: tools for building lasting peace

1. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace” (Is 52:7).

The words of the prophet Isaiah speak of consolation; they voice the sigh of relief of a people in exile, weary of violence and oppression, exposed to indignity and death. The prophet Baruch had wondered: “Why is it, O Israel, why is it that you are in the land of your enemies, that you are growing old in a foreign country, that you are defiled with the dead, that you are counted among those in Hades?” (3:10-11)… Read more »

Exploring the Encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’

The Encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” is a potent expression of faith in times of doubt, a call for hope in times of fear and a challenge to love. This Encyclical is a blend of Franciscan themes and Ignatian discernment, combined with the Catholic Social Teaching. The Encyclical invites us to an affective, reflective and imaginative relationship with the variety of ideas and arguments it presents to us… Read more »

Pope encourages Justice & Peace Commissions to work with hope, determination, and creativity

Daniel Darmanin and Mark Cachia from Justice and Peace (Malta) joined other participants from Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia in an online conference for Justice and Peace Commissions which was hosted on Wednesday 17th November by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Following the establishment of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development in 2016, the need has emerged for a dialogue with ecclesial bodies working for justice and peace, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the light of the Encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli tutti… Read more »

22 entities present position paper on the recreational use of cannabis to members of parliament

Twenty‑two entities presented a position paper on the recreational cannabis bill to members of parliament, expressing serious concern about the short and long term effects on society of the proposed legislation and calling for a serious, mature and researched debate on the subject. The proposed bill will be presented today for debate in Parliament.

All entities, many of which work with children and young people, strongly believe that as currently presented, the bill will have a negative effect in normalising drug use while failing to protect both society and drug users… Read more »

“An out-of-control locomotive hurtling towards the abyss”

Pope Francis, in a keynote address to a group of social justice activists, harshly criticized the current economic system which, “with its relentless logic of profit, is escaping all human control. It is time to slow the locomotive down, an out-of-control locomotive hurtling towards the abyss.”

Addressing the IV World Meeting of Popular Movements, the Pope told participants that their dedication “is above all a proclamation of hope” reminding us that “we are not condemned to repeat or to build a future based on exclusion and inequality, rejection or indifference”… Read more »

A call for a courageous European commitment at the forthcoming UN climate and biodiversity summits

On 9 August 2021 Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report, in which humanity is held responsible for climate change and the increase of extreme weather events. The life of people and all living beings and their ecosystems will be seriously affected if the rise in the planet’s average annual temperature is not urgently reduced. The forthcoming Glasgow and Kunming summits should be a turning point in keeping the planet habitable for all people living on it and for future generations… Read more »

The ecological transition has started. It must be fair and just.

21 European Justice & Peace Commissions came together for their Annual International Workshop and General Assembly which was held in Belgium from the 1st till the 4th of October. The theme chosen for this year’s meetings was “Integral Ecology: overcoming the social and environmental crises.” Daniel Darmanin, president of the Justice and Peace Commission (Malta) attended the four-day meeting.

In their final declaration, the delegates highlighted the need for structural change as a cornerstone of climate change policy… Read more »

Integral Ecology – overcoming the social and environmental crisis

Next weekend delegates from more than twenty national Justice and Peace Commissions in Europe will take part either in person or online in the annual International Workshop and General Assembly of the Catholic network, Justice and Peace Europe. Daniel Darmanin, President of the Justice and Peace Commission (Malta) will be attending these meetings. The theme of this year’s International workshop is: “Integral ecology – overcoming the social and environmental crisis”… Read more »

Season of Creation: A Home for All

A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God is the theme of this year’s Season of Creation, during which Christians of all denominations will join in prayer and action for our common home in a bid to renew the Oikos of God. 

But what does Oikos mean? Oikos is the Greek word for “family,” or “home.” Our family is made up of the whole of humanity and each of the species that inhabit this planet, our common home… Read more »

‘Dying To Live – Stories From Refugees On The Road To Freedom’

“No one wants to leave home, but life forces you.” These were the poignant words by one of the refugees whose experience features in the book ‘Dying to Live’ by Danielle Vella, journalist and director of the International Reconciliation Program for the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). The book was launched during an event hosted by Archbishop Charles Scicluna at the Curia in Floriana, during which the author herself as well Daniel Jude Okoeguale, an asylum seeker residing in Malta, were interviewed… Read more »