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Greetings to each and everyone of you.


This section for English-speaking viewers –
and all those enjoying the culture –

has developed over the months and is now offering materials of all kinds:

texts, images, poems, videos, etc.

It will continue to provide you with rich contents week after week.

 

4th Sunday of Advent, Year C – 2024-2025

20 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: believe, blessed, Gods promises, Jeremiah 17:7, Luke 1:39-45, Prophets, Psalm 1:1, Psalm 128:1, Psalms

The Bible is filled with blessings – they are the attribute of all those whose relationship with God has a special character.

The PSALMS tell us about those who are blessed:
“Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 1:1).
“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways” (Psalm 128:1).

The PROPHETS also speak of the person who is blessed:
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7).

In the chapter 5 of Matthew’s GOSPEL, we hear Jesus’ words telling us about those who are especially blessed.
« Blessed are those who mourn… the meek… those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… the merciful…
the pure in heart… the peacemakers… those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake”.
Each group has a special reason for being blessed.

It is said that, in the Bible, the word “blessed” shows up 306 times! (in the ESV version).

Today’s gospel text (Luke 1:39-45) gives us to meet someone who is especially blessed –
not a prophet, not an apostle, not a king, but a young woman.
In the last verse of today’s text we hear Elisabeth, the cousin of Mary, who exclaims:

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

A very special type of blessing, one would say.
And Mary was also someone very special as she was carrying in herself the child who was God’s own Son.

But I believe that each one of us could claim… the same blessing –
the blessing of someone who believes in the Lord’s promises.

Could we fail to claim such a blessing?…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/4e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2024-2025/

 

Source: Image: https://www.oblates.org/reflections/the-visitation-of-holy-mary-an-expansion-of-the-heart

3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C – 2024-2025

13 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Advent, challenging question, generosity, honesty, John the Baptist, Luke 3:10-18, the way we treat people, truth, What God wants

The text of today’s gospel presents us with people who have come to John the Baptist with the desire to be baptized by him (Luke 3:10-18). 
We are told that they are asking themselves questions.

“The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts…”

What they were wondering about was something most important – they were asking themselves…
“if John might possibly be the Messiah”…

So, they wanted to prepare themselves, first by being purified through this rite of purification which was the baptism John administered.
But they realized that more was needed to make themselves acceptable to God when his messenger – “the Messiah”, God’s messenger – would come.

Each group of people asks a question which they know is essential.
Tax collectors, soldiers, the crowd as a whole, they are all questioning John.
They ask him: “What must we do?”

Is it not a question that remains with us, a question that even challenges us, in many situations?
How can we please God?
What should we do, how should we behave?
What does he expect from us in our daily life?

John replies to each of them precisely referring to their life-situation.
The answer he gives them is something practical, concrete, adapted to who they are.

His answers focus on generosity, honesty, truth.
Attitudes that are meant to acknowledge the needs of the people they are in contact with from day to day.
This is something interesting to realize: to please God we must treat his people – everyone we meet – with generosity, honesty, truth.

Rituals, bows and prostrations, repeated formulas of worship, are not what God himself asks for.
What he wants – what he demands, indeed – is that we treat people around us as we would… treat him!

This period of Advent gives us this timely reminder!

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2024-2025/

Source: Images: https://jesusfootprints.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/johns-baptism/
                               https://www.scripture-images.com/bible-verse/kjv/luke-3-10-kjv.php

International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December 2024

9 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: accountability, anti-corruption, challenge, dreams, future, generation, population, society, Youth

Theme
Young people have dreams and aspirations, but corruption erodes the fabric of society, stifles progress and deprives them of educational opportunities, job prospects, engagement in public life, success in sports and access to healthcare and other essential services. Additionally, it contributes to environmental Thdegradation and climate destruction.

Our world confronts numerous challenges, tragedies, inequalities and injustices, many of which are tied to corruption.

With 1.9 billion young people in the world, fighting corruption is vital for the future of nearly a quarter of the global population.

While young people are significantly affected by corruption, they also have the potential to become powerful agents of change in the fight for a future rooted in integrity.

Young people must demand accountability and actively participate in anti-corruption efforts. To effectively promote a culture of integrity across the public and private sectors and build a generation that stands up to corruption, education is key. It teaches values of transparency, accountability and integrity from an early age.

By promoting integrity and ethical behaviour within their social circles and challenging small-scale corruption at the community level, young people can drive meaningful change.

Additionally, they can develop innovative solutions to address corruption on a global scale. Tech-savvy youth can leverage technologies such as blockchain, AI, online platforms, social media and innovative apps to enhance transparency, increase access to information and create tools that facilitate anonymous reporting of corrupt practices.

We must actively listen to young people, as their ideas today may hold the key to the best solutions for combating corruption and strengthening integrity tomorrow.

Young integrity leaders play a vital role in advocating for dismantling institutional structures that enable corruption, pushing for greater transparency and accountability. Through active participation and reforms, they help create corruption-resilient institutions that reject unethical behaviour.

Addressing corruption leads to a fairer, more transparent society where young individuals have equal opportunities to achieve their dreams. This effort builds trust in institutions and inspires the next generation to actively contribute to creating a better future.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/anticorruptionday/

International Civil Aviation Day – 7 December 2024

7 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: civil aviation, commitment, innovation, safe skies, socio-economic progress, standards, sustainable future

Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years

7 December 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, United States. For eight decades, this defining international agreement has served as the foundation for the development of the global civil aviation system to the benefit of all nations.

For 80 years, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been the driving force behind the safe, secure, and sustainable development of global aviation. Since 1944, ICAO has set the standards that have enabled the industry to thrive, while championing socio-economic progress, gender equality, and a culture of innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, ICAO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, with the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Innovation is the way forward. This is true for all areas of human endeavour, including aviation. And just as in the past, aviation will be a key innovator and early adopter when it comes to the technologies of the future. ICAO’s main role in supporting aviation innovation is through a responsive and dynamic regulatory assessment approach that encourages new developments and accelerates their harmonization so that the sector can take advantage of the incredible new performance and capabilities these developments promise. 

 

Source: Text: https://www.un.org/en/observances/civil-aviation-day                                                                                 Image: https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/international-civil-aviation-day

 

2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C – 2024-2025

6 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Advent, commitment, efforts, faithfulness, invitation, Philippians 1:4-6.8-10, what is best, what is excellent

God’s messages come to us in all kinds of ways and forms.
Through the ages, his messengers have proclaimed what they perceived as God’s message for people.
Often, their words – translating Gods words – are an invitation to do something.

This is the case with the apostle Paul as he writes to the Philippians.
Today’s 2nd reading gives us part of what he told them (Philippians 1:4-6,8-10).
What he wishes for them is expressed in these words:

“That you may be able to discern what is best”.
Another translation says: “That you may approve the things that are excellent…”

What is best… what is excellent…
Not to take the easy way out… as we are sometimes tempted to do…
Not to settle for what is… ‘good enough’ – which is, in fact, hardly good at all!
Not to ‘cut corners’ as people say, choosing the less demanding option in carrying on a task.

It is demanding, of course…
It asks for commitment, for efforts, and a good dose of faithfulness to what we see as God’s will.
But Paul assures the first Christians:

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion”. 

We can be assured that he will do no less for us!
This period of Advent may be a good time to allow God to achieve in us what he intends to bring to completion!

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2024-2025/

 

Source: Images: https://www.scripture-images.com/bible-verse/web/philippians-1-10-web.php
                                 https://www.scripture-images.com/desktop-wallpaper/web/philippians-1-6

International Volunteer Day – 5 December 2024

5 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: better world, commitment, communities, culture of service, humanity, social media, sustainable development, volunteers

« Volunteers embody the best of humanity. On this important day, let’s draw inspiration from their example, and resolve to do our part to help shape a better world for all. »    António Guterres

Diverse volunteers, stronger communities

For the International Volunteer Day 2024, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) demonstrates its commitment to communities and the wellbeing of UN Volunteers across the globe through concrete community volunteer activities carried out with national and UN system partners.

It is simply not possible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without including people at all stages, at all levels, and at all times.

Volunteering makes people part of the solutions. Volunteerism lets people and communities participate in their development. 

The challenges we face—climate change, conflicts, and social injustices can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these trying moments, the spirit of volunteerism shines brighter than ever. In every corner of the world, volunteers are usually the first to respond. They rise to meet challenges with courage, dedication, and selflessness.

Volunteers create a richer culture of service within their communities. They help bridge the gap between generations and support sustainable development. 

Volunteering allows us to work together across generations to achieve the SDGs. Volunteering is an intergenerational cycle.

Join us in recognizing volunteers all over the world through our social media campaign, using the hashtag #IVD2024. View the IVD 2024 Trello Board for resources.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day

World Soil Day – 5 December

5 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles, Uncategorized
Mots-clés: 'soil doctors', agricultural workers, farmers, healthy soil, management of resources, NGOs, policy makers

Background of a decade celebrating soils

World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

Soil Doctors, a farmer-to-farmer training initiative

The Global Soil Doctors Programme is a farmer-to-farmer training initiative that aims to build the capacity of farmers on sustainable soil management while supporting national governments and stakeholders in addressing the needs of their rural communities. This online platform supports farmers, policymakers, development planners, agricultural extension workers, NGOs, private sectors, and any other practitioner/stakeholder interested in transmitting the importance of soil as a vital resource.

 

Source: Text & ImageL https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-soil-day

International Day of Banks – 4 December

4 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: banking industry, debt, financial security, information, investments, multilateral trading, sustainable development, tax system

The International Day of Banks is commemorated all over the world annually December 4th, to acknowledge the role of banks in providing people with important information for their financial security.

Source: Text: Google

The Principles for Responsible Banking

The Principles provide the framework for a sustainable banking system and help the industry to demonstrate how it makes a positive contribution to society. They embed sustainability at the strategic, portfolio and transactional levels, and across all business areas. In the year since the launch of the framework, the signatories to the Principles for Responsible Banking grew from 130 to more than 190 banks representing more than a third of the global banking industry and around 1.6 billion customers worldwide. To celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of the Principles for Responsible Banking, signatories and civil society have shared their thoughts and experiences one year on! 

Well-run national development banks can help countries develop financing options for Sustainable Development Goal-related investments. Such banks should be aligned with the Goals in a holistic way and be considered in integrated national financing frameworks. Collaboration between national development banks and multilateral banks, through co-financing or on-lending arrangements, can enhance Goal-related finance through the complementarity of international resources and local market knowledge.

Reform of the global financial architecture

  • The crisis affecting the multilateral trading system is also an opportunity to revamp it and make it fit for sustainable development;
  • Challenges in sovereign debt restructuring have sensitized the international community to gaps in the existing architecture;
  • Increasing vulnerabilities have underscored the importance of strengthening the global financial safety net;
  • The digitization of the economy has fuelled the debate about the design of the international tax system;
  • Growing market concentration has underscored the need to better monitor this trend and manage its socioeconomic implications.
Source: Text: https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-banks     Image: https://wcdevents.home.blog/december/internationaldayofbanks/

 

World Aids Day – 1 December 2024

1 décembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: communities, discrimination, girls, HIV-AIDS, progress, public health, rights path, Women

Take the rights path  – World AIDS Day 2024

The world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected.

With human rights at the centre, with communities in the lead, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The substantial progress that has been made in the HIV response is directly linked to progress in protecting human rights. In turn, the progress made through the HIV response has galvanized broader progress in realizing the right to health and strengthening health systems.

But gaps in the realization of human rights for all are keeping the world from getting on the path that ends AIDS and are hurting public health, and now a surge in attacks on rights is threatening to undermine the progress that has been made.

Ending AIDS requires that we reach and engage everyone who is living with, at risk for or affected by HIV – especially including people who have been most excluded and marginalized. Gender equality is an essential element of an approach to AIDS that is grounded in human rights. Acceptance, respect and care are vital. Laws, policies and practices that punish, discriminate against or stigmatize people – because they are women or girls, or from key populations, or from other marginalized communities – obstruct access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. So do laws, policies and practices that hinder the work of people who are providing vital HIV services for affected communities or who are advocating for reforms.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.unaids.org/en/2024-world-aids-day

1st Sunday of Advent, Year C – 2024-2025

29 novembre 2024
Nicole Gregoire
2 Comments
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Advent, depressed, faith, Luke 21:25-28.34-36, Matthew 28:20, posture, Redemption, sad

It is more than a question of posture…
This reflection came to me after reading today’s gospel text (Luke 21:25-28,34-36).

At times, walking on the street, we meet people with the neck deep into their coat.
They go about stooped, with sad faces, obviously downcast and depressed.

We would not be surprised to see such people present in the gospel of this celebration.
The text describes future events that are rather frightening.
The images presented to us represent happenings which we would like to escape.
We are even told:

“People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world”.

Yet, amazingly, in the second verse after this, we are told:

“When these things begin to take place,
stand up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near.”

Yes, it is more than a question of posture!
It is a question of faith in the words of him who has told us:
“Remember that I am always with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:20).

It is a question of relying on him who assures us:
“Your redemption is drawing near.”

Redemption, liberation: being free from whatever would cause fear, anxiety, restlessness.
This is the message addressed to us as we enter the period of Advent –
the period of awakening to his presence “until the end of time”.

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/1er-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2024-2025/

 

Source: Images: pexels.com (Fatin Rifat; Mike)