Anglophones et anglophiles – Page 36

World Pulses Day – 10 February

10 février 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: FAO. diets, food security, future, health, leguminous plants, nutrition, pulses

Why a World Pulses Day?

Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016 implemented by FAO and recognizing the potential of pulses to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated 10 February as World Pulses Day (WPD).

This celebration presents a unique opportunity to raise public awareness about pulses and the fundamental role they play in the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

With the help of governments, the private sector, Members and partner organizations, the public and youth, FAO works to facilitate the observance of this international day and support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems and healthy diets.

Source: Text & Image: https://www.fao.org/world-pulses-day

International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking – 8 February 2023

8 février 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: at-risk groups, awareness, crises, dignity, exploitation, human trafficking, migrants, prayer, victims, vulnerability

“Journeying in dignity” is the theme of the 9th Edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, celebrated around Feb. 8, 2023.

In 2022, we have experienced major changes as well as the aggravation of crises. In this context, the number of both at-risk groups and people suffering from trafficking violence
has increased. This can be explained by the exploitation of vulnerabilities caused by instability due to armed conflicts, generalized violence, and climate-environmental and economic crises.

Those attempting to flee in hope of safety or employment find themselves at the mercy of inadequate laws to protect migrants and find themselves more easily entangled in the webs woven by traffickers. In addition, traffickers have increased their use of information technology for recruitment and exploitation, luring victims on social media and posting false job ads on the Internet.

In this context, we are called to keep hope and the values that guide our being and acting alive. This is the meaning of the theme of the 9th International Day of Prayer, chosen by an international group of 10 young representatives of partner organizationsi and 4 young communication experts:

Journeying in dignity against human trafficking. Our commitment has as a horizon: the dignity of every person, leaving no one behind. This is our journey.

• Walking with open eyes to recognize the processes that lead millions of people, especially young people, to exploitation and human trafficking;

• Walking with an attentive heart to discover the daily paths of thousands of people in search of freedom and dignity, paths of care, inclusion, and empowerment;

• Walking with hope guiding our feet to promote anti-trafficking actions that make us rediscover dignity, reawaken the joy of living and release hope, letting ourselves be inspired by young people’s creativity and spiritual strength;

• Walking together hand in hand to build a culture of encounter that leads to the conversion of hearts and inclusive societies, capable of unmasking stereotypes and protecting the rights of every person.

Source: Text: https://preghieracontrotratta.org/files/documenti/EN_PRESENTAZION_IDPAAHT_IX_EDITION Image: Unsplash

Safer Internet Day – 7 February 2023

7 février 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: cyber safety, internet scam, malware, passwords, phishing, safe internet, websites

Internet safety or online safety or cyber safety and E-Safety is trying to be safe on the internet and is the act of maximizing a user’s awareness of personal safety and security risks to private information and property associated with using the internet, and the self-protection from computer crime.

As the number of internet users continues to grow worldwide, internets, governments, and organizations have expressed concerns about the safety of children and teenagers using the Internet. Over 45% have announced they have endured some sort of cyber-harassment. Safer Internet Day is celebrated worldwide in February to raise awareness about internet safety. In the UK the Get Safe Online campaign has received sponsorship from government agency Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) and major Internet companies such as Microsoft and eBay.

Information security

Sensitive information such as personal information and identity, passwords are often associated with personal property and privacy and may present security concerns if leaked. Unauthorized access and usage of private information may result in consequences such as identity theft, as well as theft of property. Common causes of information security breaches include:

Phishing

Phishing is a type of scam where the scammers disguise themselves as trustworthy source in an attempt to obtain private information such as passwords, credit card information, etc. through the internet. These fake websites are often designed to look identical to their legitimate counterparts to avoid suspicion from the user.^[4] Normally, hackers will send third-party email to target requesting personal information, and they will use this as an entry point to implement attack.^[5]

Malware

Malware, particularly spyware, is malicious software designed to collect and transmit private information, such as passwords, without the user’s consent or knowledge. They are often distributed through e-mail, software, and files from unofficial locations. Malware is one of the most prevalent security concerns as often it is impossible to determine whether a file is infected, regardless of the source of the file.

Personal safety

The growth of the internet gave rise to many important services accessible to anyone with a connection. One of these important services is digital communication. While this service allowed communication with others through the internet, this also allowed communication with malicious users. While malicious users often use the internet for personal gain, this may not be limited to financial/material gain. This is especially a concern to parents and children, as children are often targets of these malicious users. Common threats to personal safety include phishing, internet scams, malware, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, online predators, and sextortion.

Source: Text: Wikipedia Image: Unsplash

5th Sunday of Year A – 2023

3 février 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: 1 Peter 2:3, acting and reacting, Christian, Chrits-like, goodness of the Lord, Matthew 5:13-16, Psalm 34:8, taste

Today’s gospel text is very short, only four verses, but with a message that is very relevant, of course (Matthew 5:13-16).
The second part of the text about Jesus’ disciples being the light of the world, is well known to us.
But the first part may be less so…
Yet, Jesus starts with an unusual example: SALT.

The sight of a cook adding a pinch of salt to a dish is familiar to us.
We know well that this seasoning is required for any type of food to be tasty,
unless you have in mind a sweet recipe, of course.

But what about salt for… our lives, or the meaning of lives being tasty?

Perhaps before understanding about OUR lives being tasty,
we need to discover about God’s reaching out to us in ways that we experience as tasty!

Psalm 34:8 tells us:
“How good is the Lord – only taste and see!”

How do we actually taste this, you may wonder.
I personally believe that EXPERIENCE is the way to taste –
to taste God’s kindness and patience, God’s love and mercy, God’s compassion and… all that God is to us!
Our lives, from day to day, provide plenty of occasions… to taste this!

The apostle Peter, writing to the first Christians, speaks about this.
He says that, having been baptized,
“You have tasted the goodness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:3)

Once we have made the personal experience of God, then slowly, gradually, we will take on his ways.
Perhaps slowly but certainly, our ways will become more Christ-like –
this is the meaning of being a Christian.
Then, our way of thinking, acting and reacting, will have this special likeness to Christ.

This will give our way of being with people something that draws them to him –
a taste that is unmistakably good, “salt of the earth”, no less!

In fact, it is interesting to note that, in conversation, we sometimes hear people – good, kind, helpful people –
being referred to as salt-of-the-earth people!
Could it be said of me?…

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/5e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

Source: Images: Unsplash Facebook

World Wetlands Day – 2 February

2 février 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: animals, biodiversity, ecosystem, fish, flooding, préservation, vegetation

World Wetlands Day is annually held on February 2 to celebrate how wetlands, which are lands saturated by water, help maintain biodiversity on Earth.

Wetlands play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem.

About World Wetlands Day

Wetlands are found near the sea or inland and can be seasonal – they are water logged only during parts of the year, or perennial. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by:

Preventing flooding by absorbing water.
Ensuring that the soil provides a unique breeding ground for vegetation that feeds fish.
Giving shelter to animals.
Purifying water by removing sediment.

World Wetlands Day has been observed since February 2, 1997. The day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The convention is a treaty on the preservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Source: Text: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/world/world-wetlands-day Image: Unsplash

International Zebra Day – 31 January

31 janvier 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: Climate change, endangered species, habitat loss, speed, spots, stripes, zebras

International Zebra Day: Top 5 facts about these striped animals

On 31 January, people around the world will be marking International Zebra Day – a special day to celebrate these magnificent animals. Native to Africa, there are several species of zebra which can found in the wild in different countries across the continent. Zebras are social animals that live in large groups called herds in a variety of habitats including savannahs, grasslands and woodlands.

However, in some places zebras are under threat from habitat loss, climate change and poaching and the event also highlights the importance of protecting these striped species.

There are actually three different species of zebra: the plains zebra, the mountain zebra and the Grévy’s zebra. The most common species is the plains zebra with around 750,000 animals thought to live in the wild, however the largest of the three species, the Grévy’s zebra, is the most threatened. There are thought to be only around 2,500 Grévy’s zebras in the wild and the species has been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

2. Every zebra has a different stripe pattern

Just as no two people have the same fingerprint, the same is true with zebras and their stripes – each animal has its own unique stripe pattern! Although, why these mammals have stripes is still baffling scientists, but there are a few different theories! Some experts believe it is to stop flies from landing on the creatures, or to help them cool down. While others think the stripes confuse predators such as lions, and protects the animals by dazzling others and masking their movements in an optical illusion!

3. Some zebras have spots!

Zebras are most famous for their distinctive black-and-white stripes, but did you know that not all of them are patterned in that way. Foals are actually born with brown and white stripes, which darken as they grow older. Zebras can also be affected by albinism, a rare genetic condition that results in little or no production of a pigment called melanin – which causes them to develop golden stripes.

Although very rare, zebras have also been spotted with spots instead of stripes!

4. Zebras spend most of their day eating

Zebras are herbivores and feed mostly by grazing on grasses, leaves, shrubs and fallen fruit. They have strong front teeth and special digestive systems which can breakdown highly fibrous plants, twigs and even bark! They graze for many hours each day, often spending up to 18 hours daily feeding in the wild! They also are known to travel hundreds of miles in their herds in search of more food and water.

5. They can run pretty fast!

Zebras are equine animals, and just like horses – they can walk, trot, canter and gallop! Even though they are mainly seen grazing and walking, they are actually capable of reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour! Zebras rely on this speed as well as their agility and stamina to help them outrun predators. One trick they use, is to run in a zigzag direction to confuse other animals.

Source: Text: International Zebra Day: Top 5 facts about these striped animals – CBBC Newsround

Image: unsplash.com

World Leprosy Day – 29 January 2023

28 janvier 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: awareness, diagnosis, Leprosy, Raoul Follereau, treatment

When is World Leprosy Day 2023?

In 2023, World Leprosy Day is Sunday 29 January. World Leprosy Day always takes place on the last Sunday of January.

This date was chosen by French humanitarian, Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who did much work with persons affected by leprosy and died at the end of January in 1948.

What is World Leprosy Day?

World Leprosy Day takes place on the last Sunday of January each year. It is organised by organisations of people affected by leprosy and leprosy-focused NGOs, including The Leprosy Mission, and is an opportunity to lift up the voices of people affected by leprosy throughout the world.

What is the theme for World Leprosy Day 2023?

The theme for World Leprosy Day 2023 is ‘Act Now: End Leprosy’.

Why do we celebrate World Leprosy Day?

We celebrate World Leprosy Day to raise awareness of a disease that many people think does not exist anymore.

Each year there are 200,000 people diagnosed with leprosy and there are millions who are living with the damaging consequences of delayed leprosy treatment.

World Leprosy Day is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those affected, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and tackle the stigma that too often surrounds leprosy. It is also an opportunity to raise money so that we can be the generation that ends leprosy transmission.

Source: Text (abridged) & Image: https://www.leprosymission.org/leprosy-champions/

4th Sunday of Year A – 2023

27 janvier 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, everlasting, expiration date, long-lasting, Matthew 5:1-12, value, worthwhile, Zephaniah 2:3, Zephaniah 3:12-13

It is interesting to observe people in a food store, or supermarket.
Many of them look closely at the product searching for… the ‘use by date’, or expiration date.
They are conscious that different items will be good only for a certain time, for a limited period.
They would rather choose an article that will last longer – it is better value for money!

Is it not strange that people do not do the same when looking… at life?
It is obvious that a human life has a limited number of years.
We may like to forget, but we know it all too well: our days are counted!
What gives value to our life?
What are the long-lasting things that make a human existence worthwhile?…

The readings of today’s celebration are shedding some light on this.
Writing to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul tells them (1 Corinthians 1:26-31):

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

To boast is to be proud of something, to be happy about one’s success:
the realization of something worthwhile, the achievement of a valuable goal.
What are the things that can give us such feeling of having achieved something worthwhile?

We often look for experiences that will be satisfying.
We launch into adventures that we expect to be gratifying.
But the ‘use by date’ of these experiences and adventures often proves to be short-lived.
We end up being dissatisfied and disappointed…

The first words of the 1^st reading tell us (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13):
“Seek the Lord…”

The Lord, he is the one who gives meaning to what we are and live.
He gives a direction towards the long-lasting situations that we are longing for.

In today’s gospel text (Matthew 5:1-12), he mentions eight areas where we can find,
not only long-lasting, but e v e r l a s t i n g happiness.

Of course, the choice remains ours…

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/4e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

Source: Images: Free Images Decatur Presbyterian Church

3rd Sunday of Year A – 2023

20 janvier 2023

Nicole Gregoire

Aucun commentaire

Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: 1 Corinthians: 1:10-13, 1 Corinthians: 1:17, ancient, Christian message, denominations, John 17:22, old-fashioned, Unity

People are sometimes inclined to abandon what they consider old-fashioned.
They want to get rid of clothes, furniture, or belongings, that they see as no longer in fashion.
Some go further and try to move away from ways of thinking and values which they call ‘ancient’.

It is strange but, sometimes, ‘old’ things and ways can take on a very contemporary appearance!
This reflection came to me as I read the 2^nd reading of this Sunday (1 Corinthians: 1:10-13,17).
Paul is writing to the first Christians of Corinth and uses strong language to bring them to their senses!

It has been reported to him that, among different groups of Christians, there are divisions.
They oppose one another by taking sides for the different messengers who brought God’s message to them: Apollos, Cephas, Paul.

Paul asks them:
“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

We may think the Corinthians receiving this letter of Paul are people of ancient times, yet…
It could be that we resemble them in more ways than one…

Some years ago, I visited a town where, at an intersection of four streets, I saw three different churches!
Each place received Christians of different denominations.
People attending services in each place claimed they were Christians.
They possibly looked down upon men and women entering a different place of worship.
Each group surely considered themselves the true believers, the authentic followers of Christ.

We may ask ourselves what Christ himself thinks!…

Paul tells the Corinthians:
“I appeal to you… that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

This may seem an impossible ideal, a remote possibility.
There are many ways of understanding the Christian message.
Teachers and preachers will present different angles, stress different aspects, bring nuances to this or that part of Christ’s message.

But one thing remains certain: Christ is NOT divided.
And he, himself, calls us to unity in our commitment to him.
On the eve of his death, he prayed to his Father precisely for this:

“May they be one, Father, even as we are one…” (John 17:22)

Could we fail to pray – and live – as Jesus prayed for?…

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

Source: Image: Scripture Images

2nd Sunday of Year A – 2023

13 janvier 2023

Nicole Gregoire

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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles

Mots-clés: bend down, God become a human being, happiness, incline oneself, Psalm 40, stoop

Every week, we reflect on the Bible texts of a given Sunday, or Feast Day.
Most times, we focus on the words of one of the readings.
Today, one verse of the Psalm, used as a response to the 1^st reading, has caught my attention(Psalm 40:1-2,4,7-11).

“The Lord has stooped to me and he heard my cry for help.”
Another translation says: “He inclined unto me and he heard my cry.”

This is an amazing statement from the Psalmist.
God has stooped, he has inclined, he has bent down, he has come low, to reach him!

It is amazing, yes, but it is exactly what we have lived these past weeks!
We have been celebrating the feast of Christmas – God becoming one of us, a human being like us.
This is how far down, how much bending and stooping God has done!

When the word ‘GOD’ is heard, people usually think of:

power and glory,
magnificence and transcendence,
eminence and splendor.

But God thinks of… a baby in a manger!

A poor, helpless, dependent child – this is God!
Strangely, sadly… we often look for another one…

The text of the Psalm goes on with the words:
“Happy the one who trusts in the Lord.”

Yes, the Lord of whom the Psalmist tells us about, the One who stoops and bends down –
he is the one who can give us the happiness we long for.
The happiness we have been wishing one another for this new year, he is ready to give it to us…
If only we dare to turn to him…

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

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.