Pax Christi

Pat and I had the pleasure to attend the National Peacemakers Conference held by Pax Christi USA. It was a last minute decision. We literally found out about the conference, and within a couple of days we were in a car headed toward Chicago!

Pax Christi is the Catholic peace movement, with great support by Catholic bishops. As their international website says: "Pax Christi International was started in 1945 as an organisation of Catholics in Europe who wanted to promote reconciliation at the end of the Second World War. " The national website says: "Pax Christi USA rejects war, preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for creation. "

A great synopsis of the weekend is here. Fr. John Dear, who wrote the article, was also one of the presenters. His talk was powerful: "Put down your sword" are the last words of Jesus to the Church.

Bishop Matthiesen from Amarillo, TX, was recognized with the annual Teacher of Peace award. He made a courageous stand against nuclear proliferation, and his efforts helped gather momentum which eventually led to the US Catholic Bishops issuing a statement against nuclear weapons in the mid-80s.

One of the featured speakers--Miguel D'escoto, who is the President of the United Nations General Assembly--was not able to attend due to the continued crisis in Honduras. Participants were more-than-understanding.

We were treated to overnight accommodations at Su Casa Catholic Worker. This very large building is a former friary for German Franciscan brothers. It now houses an intentional community of about 9 members and offers hospitality to Latino families.

It was a great weekend. It gave a jump start to my own justice awareness. Pat saw some old friends he knew at the Catholic Worker in D.C. The presenters were great, and there were numerous vendors and other groups that were distributing information about their work.

We are currently discerning whether or not to start a chapter of Pax Christi through our community. It seems like it would be smart if we tied our justice efforts to the larger peace movements going on nationally and internationally. It is certainly nice to randomly scatter seeds of justice and goodness in the world--it is even better to take those seeds and plant fields in the vineyard of the Lord. Good justice work is organized and strategic. Being connect to Pax Christi would certainly help with that. Please see us if you would like to be involved!