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.

 

International Day of Peace – 21 September 2023

21 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: actions, ambition, climate chaos, fear, global goals, human rights, inequality, violence

2023 Theme – Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals

Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Never has our world needed peace more.

This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, « Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization. »

Sustainable Development Goals

2023 marks the mid-point in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023 observance of the International Day of Peace coincides with the SDG summit (18 – 19 September) to mark the mid-point milestone.

The SDGs aim to bring us closer to having more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence. But without the buy-in and contribution of a wide range of actors including the 1.2 billion young people alive, the goals will not be achieved. We invite you to join the United Nations’ call to take action for peace: fight inequality, drive action on climate change, and promote and protect human rights.

 

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

World Bamboo Day – 18 September

18 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: déforestation, deforested lands, environment, natural ressource, pollution, rural development, social benefits, utilization

World Bamboo Day is a day of celebration to increase the awareness of bamboo globally. Where bamboo grows naturally, bamboo has been a daily element, but its utilization has not always been sustainable due to exploitation. The World Bamboo Organization aims to bring the potential of bamboo to a more elevated exposure – to protect natural resources and the environment, to ensure sustainable utilization, to promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries in regions around the world, as well as promote traditional uses locally for community economic development.

It is estimated that there are more than two billion hectares – that is nearly 5 billion acres – of deforested and degraded land around the world waiting for human intervention to save it, to nourish it, and breathe new life into it. The health of our planet needs us to do something big – as soon as possible.

In many cases, the natural biome in these regions will never return due to toxic pollution that has led to collapsed ecosystems and the extinction of local flora and fauna. However dismal, these lands can recover and regain ecological functionality – admittedly with collaborative inputs from stakeholders, integrated goal-setting, and sustainable management practices.

When considering the optimization of forest ecosystem goods and services as societal needs change- and new challenges arise – bamboo has a tremendous role to play. We’ve heard about planting trees – yes – but it is also time to plant bamboo.

Bamboo is resilient & adaptable – with immense biodiversity. Bamboo species can restore land. Their unique characteristics of quick growth, extensive root systems, and pioneer spirit can reduce erosion, stabilize slopes, absorb heavy metals, create shade, harbor wildlife, recycle carbon dioxide, and clean the air. Planting and managing sustainable bamboo forests allows for multiple social benefits, including rural development (improved housing), agroforestry products (which includes nutritional food and alternative fiber), with the big bonus of climate mitigation.

Bamboos are natural flora in temperate, tropical and subtropical parts of the globe, native on every continent except Europe and Antarctica, and the latest estimates are that there may be some 50 million hectares of bamboo around the world. That’s nearly 124 million acres.

 

Source: Text: https://worldbamboo.net/    Image: Journée mondiale

 

World Cleanup day – 16 September 2023

16 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: beaches, forests, healthy planet, Let's Do It World, litter, rivers, trash

On that day volunteers and partners worldwide will come together again to rid our planet of trash –
cleaning up litter and mismanaged waste from our beaches, rivers, forests, and streets.
World Cleanup Day harnesses the power of everyday people to achieve incredible things by joining together.

In recognition of the power of collective action and global environmental awareness, World Cleanup Day is set to secure the honor of a place on the prestigious United Nations Calendar!

It’s been quite a journey, in which the Let’s Do It World movement has spanned continents, capturing the energy and attention of individuals, organizations, and nations to unite in a shared vision: a clean and healthy planet.

Source: Text & Image: https://www.worldcleanupday.org/     

24th Sunday of Year A – 2023

15 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: compassion, empathy, forgiving, God's forgiveness, Matthew 1821-35, Matthew 6:12, Psalm 103:1-4, Psalm 103:9-12, Sirach 27:30 – 28:9, sympathy

 

WORDS: we utter them, we hear them, we write them – we use them in all kinds of situations.
They are the tools of communication, they are very much part of our lives.

It is obvious that the meaning of words is essential for good understanding among us.
If the words used are not understood properly, then uncertainty, indecision, confusion, can take place.

This reflection came to me as I read the texts of this Sunday.
The 1st reading (Sirach 27:30 – 28:9), the Psalm used as a response (Psalm 103:1-4,9-12) and the gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), are about the same theme.
They key idea is very clearly about forgiving our neighbour.

Different words are used to speak about the inner sentiment that can inspire us to forgive:
pity – mercy – sympathy – empathy – clemency – tender-heartedness –
all of them are meant to describe the attitude we should have which will lead us to grant pardon to someone.

But there is another word – used in the Psalm – which, to me, expresses best the feeling we should have:
it is that of COMPASSION.
Looking at the two roots of this word: com-passion, we perceive its meaning as suffering with.
It is the attitude of someone who feels for, or feels with, someone else.

This sentiment enables us to become more attuned to God – the forgiving God, he:
“who forgives all your sins…
who crowns you with love and compassion…”

He is the one who asks of us to be like him in this way.
In fact, he makes it the very condition for him to forgive us…

In an echo of today’s gospel text, Jesus said in his Father’s name:
“If you do not forgive others,
your Father will not forgive your failings either”  (Matthew 6:15).
 
May the Spirit of forgiveness lead us on this way,
as Jesus taught us to pray:

“Forgive us our debts,
as we forgive those in debt to us” (Matthew 6:12).
 

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/24e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

 

Source: Images: pexels.com (Engin Akyurt)     Scripture Images

 

 

 

 

International Day of Democracy – 15 September

15 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: climate crisis, décisions, democrary, disinformation, empowering, populism, young people

2023 Theme: Empowering the next generation

This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy, “Empowering the next generation,” focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

Young people are the current and future custodians of democracy

An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. Creating an environment in which young people feel their voice counts is crucial.

Young people must navigate a world in which democracies are under threat from factors ranging from the proliferation of online mis- and disinformation, to rising populism, and the destabilizing effects of the climate crisis. It is important everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives now, and in years to come.

Unresolved conflicts, the rising threat of climate change and financial turmoil pose a constant threat to democracies around the world. “The walls are closing in on civic spaces,” warns United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of Democracy.

In his message marking the day, the UN chief blames the current spread of mis- and disinformation that is “poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities, and eroding trust in institutions”.

Given the damaging effect that this flood of false information can have on young people, this year’s International Day of Democracy is dedicated to « Empowering the Next Generation » by focusing on the critical role of children and youngsters in ensuring democracy “today and in the future.”

 

Source: Text: https://www.un.org/en/observances/democracy-day    Image: https://unpartnerships.un.org/events/international-day-democracy

World Sepsis Day – 13 September

13 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, deaths, education, healthcare, solidarity, vaccination

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly. Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs.

Source: Text: Google

WHY IS WORLD SEPSIS DAY IMPORTANT?

World Sepsis Day is held on September 13 every year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against sepsis. Sepsis accounts for at least 11 million deaths worldwide annually. Yet, depending on country and education, sepsis is known only to 7 – 50% of the people.

Likewise, it is poorly known that sepsis can be prevented by vaccination and clean care and that early recognition and treatment reduce sepsis mortality by 50%. This lack of knowledge makes sepsis the number one preventable cause of death worldwide.

WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN WORLD SEPSIS DAY

World Sepsis Day is the favorable moment to increase public awareness for this poorly acknowledged healthcare disaster, but also to show support and solidarity with the millions of people who lost their loved ones, or, as sepsis survivors, suffer from the long-term consequences of sepsis.

World Sepsis Day is a great opportunity to remind the public, media, national, and international healthcare authorities, healthcare providers, and healthcare workers, policy makers, and the governments that there is an urgent need to increase and improve education on the facility, regional, national, and international level. 

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.worldsepsisday.org/

23rd Sunday of Year A – 2023

8 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: blessings, God's call, God's message, harden not your hearts, If, listen, Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 95:6-9

 

The reflection on the Sunday celebration is usually focused on one of the readings.

However, this Sunday, the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 95:1-2,6-9) has been chosen.
The text calls to us in these words:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”
 
This text could be interpreted as some kind of advice, a recommendation, or an exhortation.

But there is a ‘IF’… if you hear…
It implies that you may, or you may not, perceive that God is speaking to you…

But there is a different translation available and what it says is somehow different:
 
“If only you would listen to God today,
do not harden your hearts…”

It expresses something of a regret, it has the tone of a lamentation.
As if the writer realizes that, somehow, his people are not listening to God.

The author of the Psalm may imagine the blessings that those who listen to God would receive.
He possibly regrets that those who fail to listen will miss much…
He may be aware of what happens to those who are attuned to God’s voice –
how they come to know God, and they may then draw closer to him.

In both instances, the writer insists, adding:
“Do not harden your hearts…”

This may be a recurring temptation: not to pay attention, not to listen to God speaking to us.
We may be drawn by many other voices…
seduced by different invitations…
tempted to follow other calls…

We do as if…
As if God did not really speak.
As if his message was not truly addressed to us personally.
As if his words did not concern our own situation.

Hardening our hearts can be a slow, a subtle process,
but it can lead us very far from what we would like to become…

If only we would listen…
 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/23e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/ 

 

Source: Image: Stray Thoughts (Barbara Harper)

 

World Sexual Health Day – 4 September

4 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: consent, disability, HIV, mutual respect, needs, WHO

On World Sexual Health Day, WHO celebrates every person’s right to sexual well-being. People should have complete and accurate information so they can make informed choices when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health.

“Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.

Immense suffering can occur when people lack bodily autonomy, control over their fertility or the freedom to experience safe, consensual and satisfying sexual relationships. 

Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.”

What is WHO doing to promote sexual health and well-being?

Enabling all people to achieve sexual health and well-being requires tailoring normative guidance and national programming to meet their specific needs and lived experience: welcoming and inclusive of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, sexual characteristics, people living with HIV, and with disability.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.who.int/    

World Skyscraper Day – 3 September

3 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: arachitecture, buildings, engineering, living space, skylines, urban areas

Skyscrapers have become pretty commonplace in modern times, and National Skyscraper Day is our golden opportunity to appreciate these architectural marvels and feats of engineering. Skyscrapers grace our big cities with their bold presence and define our skylines with mighty buildings that literally seem to scrape the sky. But skyscrapers have only been around for about 130 years.

The world’s first skyscraper was completed in 1885 in Chicago and it stood only 138 feet tall, a mere 10 stories that would not even count as a skyscraper today. But the name stuck, and initially any building that towered high over the surrounding structures was dubbed a skyscraper. Over time, our ability to engineer and construct skyscrapers improved drastically, and now a building must have at least 40 floors to be classified as a skyscraper at all.

In crowded urban areas where land space is at a premium, skyscrapers allow us to build upwards rather than outwards, converting a single allotment of land area into 40 or more floors of potential living space. For National Skyscraper Day on September 3, we invite you to join us in taking a long look up.

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaltoday.com/national-skyscraper-day

Skyscrapers are a real decoration of big cities, but they have existed for only 130 years. In crowded areas, where there is little land space, such buildings are also quite effective. The date was not chosen by chance. 

September 3rd was chosen as the date for this commemorative day because it was the birthday of architect Louis H. Sullivan, who has been called the « father of skyscrapers » and was widely considered to have designed the first ones.

The world’s first skyscraper is generally considered to be the Home Insurance Building in Chicago. It was built in 1885 and was 10 stories tall — an impressive height back then – and stood out as well for having a frame of metal, rather than being built primarily from stone. An addition in 1890 later gave another two stories to the Home Insurance Building.

Source: Text: https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/various/skyscraper-day

 

Peter, the apostle, shares his life experience…

2 septembre 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Apostle Peter, denial, storm on the lake, the Man of Nazareth, the Master, transfiguration

The gospel texts of the 21st and 22nd Sunday of the Year (A)
have allowed us to meet with Peter, the apostle.
He is a special character among the group of the Twelve
chosen by Jesus to be his followers and friends.

In the following video, Peter shares what his life has been
with the Master, the Man of Nazareth.