hello

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.

 

Feast of the Holy Family, Year B – 2023-2024

29 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: blended family, broken family, Genesis 1:27, holiness, home, nuclear family, single parent family

Today’s celebration is familiar to us, Christians.
When the expression ‘Holy Family’ is pronounced, a picture comes immediately to our minds –that of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

But when the single word ‘family’ is spoken, it evokes pictures of all kinds. Nowadays, this singular word is often used with other words bringing to mind different meanings…
What used to be known as the ‘nuclear’ family has gone through changes…
We hear of ‘broken families’, of ‘blended families’, of ‘single parent families’…

The question arises: ‘What really makes up a family?’
Different people will give you answers that vary.

Perhaps, one definition that could be acceptable to all is this one:
‘A family is made up of people who are together for one another’.

Another question follows: ‘What really makes up a HOLY FAMILY?’
Before giving an answer, many will pause and wonder…
Wonder and ask themselves if every family can be a HOLY FAMILY…

It is good to remind ourselves that holiness is not something of our own making.
Holiness is not something that we achieve by ourselves.
Holiness is God making us ever more like himself.

We have learnt that, at creation, God made us in his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27).
But through the years, we may have spoiled his image, damaged our likeness to him.

God never gives up on us, he continues his work bringing us to holiness from day to day.
He is ready to do this in our families, of whatever definition, if we only welcome him ‘home’…

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/fete-de-la-sainte-famille-annee-b-2023-2024/

 

Source: Images: www.Pinterest.com/pin     unsplash.com  (Alberto Casseta, Tyler Nix)

 

 

 

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness – 27 December

27 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Coronavirus (Covid-19), education, epidemics, health systems, prévention

As exemplified by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic major infectious diseases and epidemics have devastating impacts on human lives, wreaking havoc on long-term social and economic development. Global health crises threaten to overwhelm already overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains and cause disproportionate devastation of the livelihoods of people, including women and children, and the economies of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.

There is an urgent need to have resilient and robust health systems, reaching those who are vulnerable or in vulnerable situations.

In the event of the absence of international attention, future epidemics could surpass previous outbreaks in terms of intensity and gravity. There is great need of raising awareness, the exchange of information, scientific knowledge and best practices, quality education, and advocacy programmes on epidemics at the local, national, regional and global levels as effective measures to prevent and respond to epidemics.

It is important to strengthen epidemic prevention by applying lessons learned on epidemic management and how to prevent the stoppage of basic services, and to raise the level of preparedness in order to have the earliest and most adequate response to any epidemic that may arise, and recognizing also the value of an integrated One Health approach that fosters integration of human health, animal health and plant health, as well as environmental and other relevant sectors.

 

Source: Text: https://www.un.org/  Image: WHO

The Nativity of the Lord, Year B – 2023-2024

23 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Child Jesus, childhood memories, crib, hidden meaning, interprétation, Magi, myth, shepherds

For many of us, our childhood memories of Christmas bring back the images of a crib.
Christmas was indeed the special celebration of the child Jesus lying in a manger.
He was held in the arms of his mother Mary under the admiring gaze of Joseph.

To this simple presentation, a more detailed one was often outlined.
More personages were part of the scene: the shepherds and the Magi.
The shepherds were often seen bringing sheep to the new-born.
The Magi, known as the three kings, carried more precious gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh.

 

Many people would call this a childish representation.
Others would claim that it is all part of a myth.
Some would recognize it as symbolic, evocative…

I would side with this last group – the Nativity scene is truly symbolic and powerfully evocative.
More still, it calls for a deeper interpretation, a search for the hidden meaning…

It even inspires an appropriation of what the personages stand for.
Could it be that there is within each one of us a shepherd?… A Magi?…

Hidden in the depths of ourselves the shepherd –
simple, humble, generous, in contemplation of the amazing reality: God has become one of us, truly so…

Hidden as well within us, the Magi (the Magus, in the singular) –
the wise one, coming from afar, in search of truth and meaning, bent in adoration of the Infant-God…

Both of them, and ourselves, have thus understood something of what is proclaimed in this celebration:
“The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…”    (John 1:14)

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/la-nativite-du-seigneur-annee-b-2023-2024/

 

Source: Images: Photos Public Domain   Aleteia

 

 

 

3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B – 2023-2024

15 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, choices, Christian living, compass, décisions, evil, good, GPS, guideline, options

Going on an excursion in unknown territory, people used to take with them a compass.
This small instrument was meant to guide them on the way – it would show them how to guide their steps to reach their destination.
Nowadays a new kind of instrument is available with the same purpose.
It is called a GPS for Global Positioning Systems.

I believe that, sometimes in life, some of us would want such a guiding device to show us the way…
When having to take a decision, or before making plans for the future, we may feel uncertain about what to do.
We may be wondering what is the best option to choose from the different possibilities presented to us.

This also applies to Christian living.

The 2nd reading of this 3rd Sunday of Advent has something to say about this.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, gave them some advice which was a true guideline for them to live as Christians.
He wrote to them in these terms (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24):

“Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil”.

Simple, clear, precise language – the meaning cannot be misunderstood.
It can be used in all kinds of situations and concerning different people.
Choosing what is good: what will be of benefit, what will achieve the best outcome.
Avoiding – always and in every way – what will damage, hurt, cause injustice and pain.

It is quite demanding, of course!
Nobody can pretend that Christian living is easy…
But the result of such an attitude can be amazing – for ourselves and those around us!

It is worth trying it and… finding out!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-b-2023-2024/

 

 Source: Images: pexels.com (Tobias Aeppli) unsplash.com    (Henry Perks)    Bible Gems for Friendship

 

 

 

2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B – 2023-2024

8 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 2 Peter 3:8-14, adjust ourselves to God's way, Advent, meaning, measurements, patience, waiting

It happens that people discussing a certain issue may not agree on one point or another.
Then, one person may say with conviction: “It’s a question of… perspective!”

This expression came to my mind as I read the 2nd reading of today’s celebration (2 Peter 3:8-14).
The apostle Peter writing to the first Christians tells them:

“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years,
and a thousand years are like a day”.

The words are clear, but we may need some time to realize what they mean.
The saying itself is not obscure, but our minds may not find it easy to grasp fully what it involves.

We may need some… adjustment – adjustment to God’s perspective!
His way of appraising time, yes, but more still appraising reality.
His way of considering life and how it unfolds, and what it allows us to become…

The period of Advent is described as a period of waiting.
It may be the ideal time for us to adjust ourselves to God’s measurements of –
      what is real,
      what has meaning,
      what human experience is about,
      what is our destiny… in this life and… the life after this…

The apostle Peter reminds the first Christians:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
 Instead, he is patient with you…”

Perhaps we need to learn to be patient also…
Patient with life’s unfolding – disturbing situations, shocking events, unfulfilled expectations…
Patient with ourselves – our limitations, our failures and failings…
Patient also… with God! Yes, for we know him so little… and he is so patient with us!

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-b-2023-2024/

 

Source: Image: Scripture Images  

 

 

 

International Volunteer Day – 5 December 2023

5 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: challenges, collective action, education, food, possibilities, sustainable development, volunteerism

More than one billion people volunteer globally for solidarity and humanity, for people and the planet. International Volunteer Day (IVD), 5 December, is an occasion to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and to recognize the value of volunteerism in advancing peace and development.

This year, we mark IVD by recognizing the power of collective action: if everyone did.

If everyone volunteered, the world would be a better place.  Imagine more than eight billion of us volunteering. Limitless possibilities for sustainable development – food and education for everyone, clean environment and good health, inclusive and peaceful societies, and more.

Volunteerism is an enormous renewable resource for social, economic and environmental problem-solving throughout the world. As the world faces mounting challenges, volunteers are often the first to help. Volunteers are at the fore in crises and emergencies, often in very testing and dire situations.

Source:https://www.unv.org/

 

 

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1st Sunday of Advent, Year B – 2023-2024

1 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, faithfulness

We usually think that WE must be faithful to God –
Faithful to believe what the bible tells us about him.
Faithful to obey the 10 Commandments we have been taught.
Faithful to pray every day.
Faithful to help our neighbor as we should.

But today’s 2nd reading gives us a different message, an astonishing message.
Writing to the first Christians of Corinth, the apostle Paul tells them (1 Corinthians 1:3-9):

“God is faithful”.

Indeed, it is God himself who is unfailingly faithful to us!
The Psalm 103 assures us of his faithfulness…
“In curing all our diseases”.
“In forgiving all our offences”.
“In filling our years with prosperity”.  

He protects us at all times and in all situations.
He cares for us and provides for our needs.

The Psalm 89 says that God is “clothed in faithfulness” (Psalm 89).

To his friend, Timothy, Paul writes:
“We may be unfaithful, but he (God) is always faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13).

In fact, he is the one who can enable us to be faithful in return.
So, we need only ask him to make us so…
And he will!

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/1er-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-b-2023-2024/

 

Source: Image: Scripture Images  

 

 

 

World Aids Day – 1 December 2023

1 décembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: build trust, community leadership, connect people, HIV response, public health services

LET COMMUNITIES LEAD – WORLD AIDS DAY 2023

The world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way. Organisations of communities living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV are the frontline of progress in the HIV response. Communities connect people with person-centred public health services, build trust, innovate, monitor implementation of policies and services, and hold providers accountable.

But communities are being held back in their leadership. Funding shortages, policy and regulatory hurdles, capacity constraints, and crackdowns on civil society and on the human rights of marginalised communities, are obstructing the progress of HIV prevention and treatment services. If these obstacles are removed, community-led organisations can add even greater impetus to the global HIV response, advancing progress towards the end of AIDS.

This World AIDS Day is more than a celebration of the achievements of communities; it is a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles. World AIDS Day 2023 will highlight that to unleash the full potential of community leadership to enable the end of AIDS:

  • Communities’ leadership roles need to be made core in all HIV plans and programmes and in their formulation, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. “Nothing about us without us.”
  • Communities’ leadership roles need to be fully and reliably funded to enable the required scale up,and be properly supported and remunerated. “Not ending AIDS is more expensive than ending it.”
  • Barriers to communities’ leadership roles need to be removed. An enabling regulatory environment is needed which facilitates communities’ role in provision of HIV services, ensures civil society space, and protects the human rights of all, including of marginalised communities, to advance the global HIV response. “Remove laws that harm, create laws that empower.”

Communities are leading World AIDS Day, and across the world are shaping the events and tailoring the detailed calls to their specific needs. Through photos and videos shared by groups on social media and aggregated by UNAIDS, people will be able to witness the kaleidoscope of events taking place, be inspired by the determination and hope, and hear communities’ calls for action.

“The end of AIDS is possible, it is within our grasp” says UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “To follow the path that ends AIDS, the world needs to let communities lead.”

Source: Text & Image: https://www.unaids.org/en/2023-world-aids-day

Giving Tuesday – 29 November

29 novembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Care, everyday life, giving, mission, need, power, radical generosity

Giving Tuesday is a Movement that Unleashes the Power of Radical Generosity Around the World.

Giving Tuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.

Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

Source: Text & Image (right): https://www.givingtuesday.org/about/     Image (left): Journée mondiale

World Olive Tree Day – 26 November

26 novembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Climate change, cultural heritage, harmony, sustainability efforts, symbol. wisdom, UNESCO

World Olive Tree Day was proclaimed at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019 and takes place on 26 November every year.

The olive tree, specifically the olive branch, holds an important place in the minds of men and women. Since ancient times, it has symbolized peace, wisdom and harmony and as such is important not just to the countries where these noble trees grow, but to people and communities around the world.

Conserving and cultivating the olive tree is a growing imperative as the world combats and adapts to climate change. The protection of cultural and natural heritage, including landscapes, is at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and marking World Olive Tree Day reinforces environmental sustainability efforts.

The aim of World Olive Tree Day is to encourage the protection of the olive tree and the values it embodies, in order to appreciate its important social, cultural, economic and environmental significance to humanity.

 

Source: Text: https://whc.unesco.org/    Image:  pexels.com