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 Radio and Television for Children – 6 March

6 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Children, media, problems, productions, professionals, programs, radio, télévision

The International Day of Radio and Television for Children takes place on 6 March. This is a day when media professionals from around the world put themselves on the same page as children.

They broadcast quality programs for children. Most importantly, they give children the opportunity to participate in the production of programs, to talk about their hopes and ambitions and to exchange information among them.

International Day of Radio and Television for Children March 06

Celebrity Television

The Day is a joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Every year, thousands of radio and television personalities in more than a hundred countries take part in the Day, celebrating it in such exceptional and special forms as the children themselves.

The International Day of Radio and Television for Children is now a tradition in Latin America that has been participating in International Day every year since 1994.

The actions

As part of this International Day, producers around the world are invited to devote programming to the situation of children and to giving children the opportunity to participate in the production of programs.

It enables these media to exploit the power of television and radio to raise awareness of the problems of children. At the “International Day of Radio and Television for Children” in 1998, some 2000 organizations in 170 countries broadcast special programs on children, often prepared by children.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.vdio.com/international-day-of-radio-and-television-for-children-march-06/

World Obesity Day – 4 March

4 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: crisis, health, misconceptions, obesity, response, share, stigma

About WOD

World Obesity Day is a unified day of action that calls for a cohesive, cross-sector response to the obesity crisis. It takes place on 4 March and is convened by the World Obesity Federation in collaboration with its global members. 

Hundreds of individuals, organisations and alliances contribute to World Obesity Day every year, engaging hundreds of thousands of people across the world.

Previous World Obesity Days have encouraged people to recognise the root causes of obesity, increase knowledge of the disease, tackle weight stigma, foreground the voices of people with lived experience and act to improve the world’s understanding, prevention and treatment of obesity.

This year’s campaign theme is ‘Changing Perspectives: Let’s Talk About Obesity’.  We want to harness the power of conversation and stories so that together we can correct misconceptions surrounding obesity and take effective, collective action. Because when we all talk, debate and share, we can shift norms and transform health outcomes for everybody.

You can find out more about World Obesity Day and read about previous campaigns on the World Obesity website.

 

Source: Text: https://www.worldobesityday.org/about-wod      Images: World Obesity Federation    Accellacare

2nd Sunday of Lent, Year A – 2023

3 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Abram, Genesis 12:1-4, God's faithfulness, human beings, John 16:2, Matthew 6:8, relationship, trust

Human beings and…God: the story of a relationship!
Would you agree to such a title?
Do you recognize it as a REALITY?

Somehow, he – God – is the one leading us to see this.
But, thinking more about it, we must discover what kind of relationship God wants with us…

Today’s 1st reading gives us the beginning of an answer (Genesis 12:1-4).
There, we meet Abram who is told by God:

“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household 
to the land I will show you.”
 
The rest of the text tells us more about what God says to Abram.
Seven promises – a symbolic number in the Bible for full measure –
yes, seven promises are given to the old man.
But… all the verbs outlining what is to come are precisely… in the future tense!

Abram must go now, what will happen to him… he cannot see…
He can only trust the words of the Lord to make all those good things happen.

If we look at our own lives, we realize that they are filled with God’s gifts and blessings.
There is one thing that God wants from us,
one that he especially expects from us: TRUST.

Trust that he loves us and cares for us.
Trust that we are precious to him and that he is always near.
Trust that he will not fail to provide us with all that we need.
Trust that he will not abandon us, no matter what happens.
Trust that even if we are unfaithful, he will remain faithful to us.

This message is constantly repeated by the prophets of the Old Testament.
And it is at the very heart of Jesus’ message:

“The Father Himself loves you.” (John 16:27)
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8)

Perhaps, this is the one thing that we need to learn anew in this period of Lent…
Trusting God, no matter what… he CANNOT fail us.
  

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

 

Source: Image: John Dobbs

 

World Day of Prayer – 3 March 2023

3 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: cultures, faith, God's kingdom, languages, prayer, prayerful action, solidarity, worship

Introduction

World Day of Prayer logoThe World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can learn how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context.

We can hear their concerns and needs and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression.

The motto of the World Day of Prayer movement is Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. Through our participation in the World Day of Prayer, we affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence on the world.

World Day of Prayer in Canada

The World Day of Prayer traces its roots to the 19th century when Christian women of Canada and the United States became involved in missions at home and worldwide. Since 1812, women have encouraged one another to engage in personal prayer and lead communal prayer within their mission groups. Presbyterian women in the United States then called for a national day of prayer in 1887, and Anglican women in Canada established a national day of corporate intercessions for mission in 1895.

On October 19, 1918, Presbyterian women in Canada called together representatives of five Women’s Missionary Boards – Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian – “to promote the spreading of Christ’s kingdom through united prayer and action.” That first inter-church meeting gave birth to the Interim Committee on the Federation of the Women’s Missionary Society Boards of Canada, which organized a national and inter denominational day of prayer on January 9, 1920.

In 1922, the Canadian and U.S. committees agreed to use the same theme and day for the Day of Prayer as U.S. women. This annual event became the Women’s World Day of Prayer in 1927. The Canadian committee changed its name to become the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and now includes representatives from 11 church partners. This council continues to coordinate the World Day of Prayer in Canada and to speak to issues that concern women of faith across the country.

 

Source: Text: https://wicc.org/world-day-of-prayer/what-is-wdp/    Image: YouTube

World Wildlife Day – 3 March

3 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: biodiversity, conservation, endangered species, fauna and flora, international trade, survival, UN

World Wildlife 2021 poster

On 20 December 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, which plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival.

Previously, 3 March had been designated as World Wildlife Day in a resolution made at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP16) held in Bangkok from 3 to 14 March 2013. The CITES resolution was sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, the Host of CITES CoP16, which transmitted the outcomes of CITES CoP16 to the UN General Assembly.

The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in collaboration with other relevant United Nations organizations, facilitates the implementation of World Wildlife Day.

With 183 Member States, CITES remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation through the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora.

 

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

World Compliment Day – 1 March

1 mars 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: appreciation, compliment, egos, energy happiness, praise, validation

HISTORY OF WORLD COMPLIMENT DAY

After many successful celebrations of National Compliment Day, founder Hans Poortvliet from the Netherlands decided to turn it into World Compliment Day, dedicating a world-wide holiday to radiating positivity. March 1 is just about consciously reflecting on what someone in your community does well and letting them know they are sincerely appreciated for that. With a specific emphasis on showing appreciation through words instead of gifts, this holiday can be celebrated by anyone, anywhere. The reason being that a sincere personal compliment costs nothing, but has the potential to make an enormous impact.

Professional recognition is important, as Hans himself said, “Nothing stimulates more, gives more energy, makes people happier and, as far as business is concerned increases productivity and commitment faster than sincere appreciation. So why not use it a little bit more?” We couldn’t agree more! 

Compliments are one of the ways in which we show solidarity, cooperation, friendliness, and goodwill. When such traits as individualism and hard work are culturally valued, being rewarded for your personal performance through the acknowledgment of others can be a very effective motivator. As it says on the World Compliment Day website: “If on March 1st every person pays at least three people in his/her environment or (social) network a genuine and sincere compliment we will definitely create the Most Positive Day in the World!”

But more than that, we should all remember the importance of making people feel appreciated, it is a natural human need to feel recognized, and no one should feel ashamed for wanting it. Receiving recognition feels amazing, and giving recognition is just as enjoyable, watching someone’s face light up after offering them a nice compliment is a full-on win-win.

But adults tend to feel like they don’t need to reward people even with just verbal praise if they are simply doing what’s expected of them. So too often we are left underappreciated and overworked in pursuit of that validation. Let’s end that tawdry tradition of untapped egos, we want everyone to feel good about themselves so the world might be a better place!

 

Source: Text: https://nationaltoday.com/world-compliment-day/     Image: Vecteezy

Rare Disease Day – 28 February 2023

28 février 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, carers, change, equity, opportunities, rare diseases

Raising awareness and generating change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, their families and carers.

This year, our focus is equity. Everyone deserves equitable opportunities and access to health care but people living with a rare disease are more likely to experience treatment inequality, misdiagnosis and isolation. For #RareDiseaseDay 2023 on February 28, let’s light up in solidarity with over 300 million people living with a rare condition and share our colours!

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

World NGO Day  – 27 February

27 février 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: continents, contribution to society, nations, NGO

World NGO Day is celebrated in more than 89 countries and over six continents

Each year World NGO Day is celebrated on February 27th.

Back in 2014, the 27th of February became a historic day for the NGO community worldwide. Thisinternational calendar day, now known as “World NGO day,” was inaugurated for the first time internationally.

World NGO Day is an international day dedicated to recognize, celebrate and honour all non-governmental and nonprofit organizations, and the people behind them that contribute to the society all year around.

 

Source: Text: https://worldngoday.org/    Image: Riti Riwaz

1st Sunday of Lent, Year A – 2023

24 février 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: challenges, freedom, If, Matthew 4:1-11, options, purpose, Satan, temptations, the Devil

A very small word (in the English language), it can determine much of life… IF…

 IF… suggests some conditions,
          opens up possibilities,
          outlines options,
          implies choices,
          calls on a person’s freedom…

It is the very word that we find repeated three times in today’s gospel text (Matthew 4:1-11).
Satan, sometimes referred to as ‘the Devil’, uses this expression in addressing Jesus.
He frames in this way the temptations with which he challenges Jesus.

Twice, Satan says:
       “If you are the Son of God…”

Having failed to obtain what he wants, Satan changes the format of his attack and says:
      “If you will bow down and worship me.”

The strategy of the Devil is threefold, it is all at once:

  • a challenge to Jesus very identity,
  • a test of his total commitment to the only God,
  • a promise of reward for giving in to the temptation.

Our daily life presents us with many ‘IF situations’…
They have the same purpose:
challenging our identity and testing our commitment to God,
with a promise, of course, to satisfy our longing, and our craving, for some desired ‘good’.

Often times, we are faced with these words or similar ones:
         ‘If you think about it, you will agree that…
         ‘If you see what others do, you will accept also…
         ‘If you remember what happened, you cannot refuse…
         ‘If you love me, you will do this…

Each one of us can make his/her own list of IF statements of confrontation, or provocation.
Every one entails a decision that will make clear who we are, and to whom we have committed ourselves.

This period of Lent is precisely a moment of becoming aware of
who we are,
and who God is for us.

The very challenge that Jesus faced.
He cannot fail to help us respond to it as he did.

      

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

 

Source: Image: Aleteia

Ash Wednesday, Year A – 2023

22 février 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Children, giving alms, God's presence, lovers, Matthew 6:1-6, Matthew 6:16-18, praying fasting, secrets, spies, teenagers

Children like to exchange secrets as they whisper to one another.
Teenagers will hide their secrets in a very private diary.
Spies, of course, are masters of the secret world.
Lovers, it is said, thrive on well-guarded secrets of their own.

Could it be that even… God enjoys secrets?
Today’s gospel text would lead us to believe so (Matthew 6:1-6,16-18).
Three times, Jesus repeats:

“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

The gospel message could be summarized in these words:
When we want to please God, we should not be acting a part in public.
Praying, fasting, giving alms – these special actions that we are advised to do in this period of Lent –
should be done only and purely “in secret” – with the sole intention of coming closer to God.

The temptation can arise to impress others with our self-denial, or our generosity.
Pretending to be holy is not the genuine holiness, but make-believe.
Showing off under the guise of religious observance is something fictitious.

Jesus’ message is clear and direct:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. 
If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Intimacy with God – which is what Lent invites us to – is best achieved “in secret”.
This is THE way to God’s presence experienced in deed and in truth…

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/mercredi-des-cendres-annee-a-2023/

 

Source: Image: God’s Kingdom Come – She Reads Truth