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.

 

29th Sunday of Year C – 2022

14 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: death, faith, Life, Luke 18:1-8, persévérance, prayer, relationship, trusting

The texts of the gospel come to us in different ways.
They reach us under different expressions and translations.
And they can provoke in us different reactions…

The last verse of today’s gospel text (Luke 18:1-8) does precisely this:
it awakens in us thoughts and questions.

Jesus has been teaching about prayer and about the need to persevere in prayer. 
Obviously, this requires faith.
The text goes on to quote Jesus’ last words on the matter:

“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

An astonishing statement!
Is it not amazing that Jesus himself would ask this?
It is a question that is not addressed to anyone but is possibly a reflection on Jesus’ part.

I should perhaps correct this statement…
The question of Jesus not addressed to anyone IS ADDRESSED to EVERYONE, everyone of us.
It is from each one that he expects FAITH.
It is with each one that he hopes to enter a special relationship…

A relationship

  • not based only on the acceptation of some truths,
  • not concerned solely on the following of some principles,
  • not attentive purely to follow traditions, no matter how sacred.

A relationship where one is

  • relying on him in all situations,
  • trusting his love and care, no matter what,
  • never doubting his presence,
  • sure that he is concerned about all that touches us,
  • daring to confide to him our life… and death!

It may be was Jesus’ surprising question, his seemingly strange reflection is all about…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/29e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/

 

Source: Image: followingmessiah.org

World Sight Day – 13 October 2022

13 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: eye care, health, priorities, sight, tests

World Sight Day is on Thursday 13 October 2022 and we are focusing the world’s attention on the importance of eye care.​

LOVE YOUR EYES

Nearly everyone on the planet will experience an eye health issue in their lifetime, however, more than a billion people worldwide do not have access to the services they need to see clearly. ​ ​

The Love Your Eyes campaign encourages individuals to prioritise their own eye health whilst advocating for accessible, affordable and available eye care the world over. ​

Following a hugely successful World Sight Day 2021, the #LoveYourEyes campaign returns for World Sight Day 2022. Working together we are hoping to have five million sight tests pledged, host screenings in the most influential buildings in the world and show the world how to #LoveYourEyes with our fun and engaging social assets.

We are excited for you and your organisation to get involved.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.iapb.org/world-sight-day/

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction – 13 October

13 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: danger, disaster, health, hunger, international community, poverty, risk

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on October 13 every year. The day is a chance to recognize the progress made in addressing vulnerability to disasters and the loss of lives, economies, and health. Every year, the day honors people and communities all over the world who are working to reduce their vulnerability to disasters and raise awareness about the urgency of lowering the dangers they face. Disaster resilience in response to catastrophic weather events and other natural and man-made disasters requires international cooperation in the form of Official Development Aid (ODA) as well as capacity building.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is an annual event that urges citizens and governments to work together to make their communities and countries more disaster-resilient. As part of its declaration of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, the United Nations General Assembly established October 13 as the International Day for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction.

After the United Nations General Assembly called for a day to foster a global culture of risk awareness and catastrophe reduction, International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was born in 1989.

In 2022, the General Assembly resolved to keep the yearly commemoration as a tool for promoting a global mindset of natural disaster mitigation, covering prevention and preparedness. The United Nations General Assembly resolved in 2009 to make October 13 the official date, and to rename it International Day for Disaster Reduction.

The international community was informed in 2015 at the third U.N. World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, that disasters strike worst at the local level, with the possibility of creating tremendous social and economic devastation. Every year, millions of people are displaced by sudden disaster outbreaks. Catastrophic events, many of which have been aggravated by global warming, have a detrimental influence on sustainable development investment and its desired outcomes.

Disasters significantly affect low- and middle-income countries, especially in terms of fatalities, the number of persons injured or displaced, and damage to key infrastructure. While other global problems might seem more pressing, hunger and poverty cannot be eradicated if we do not address disaster risk reduction.

 

Source: Text: https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-for-disaster-risk-reduction/   Image: nationaldaycalendar

World Arthritis Day – 12 October

12 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: arthritis, cure, diagnosis, inflammation, medication, pain, therapy, treatment

On October 12th of each year, World Arthritis Day spreads awareness about the most prevalent disease in the world. This awareness day highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States have arthritis. By the year 2040, an estimated 78 million people in the U.S. will have arthritis. About 120 million people in the European Union live with arthritis. A total of 350 million people throughout the world have the disease. Arthritis and related conditions account for more than $156 billion in lost wages and medical expenses each year. The disease also results in one million hospitalizations a year.

Arthritis is commonly known as joint inflammation. There are over 100 types of arthritis. The two most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While there is no cure for this disease, treatments are available. Doctors prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections called corticosteroids to treat arthritis. Physical therapy and chiropractic care can also help reduce pain and inflammation. For some, surgery, such as joint replacement or joint fusion, is the only option.

Many people with arthritis also have other conditions. These conditions include heart disease and diabetes. Some people are more prone to others than having arthritis. Common risk factors include family history, age, being overweight, and previous joint injury.

Severe arthritis is debilitating as it becomes difficult to do daily tasks and enjoy activities. In some cases, the joints become twisted and deformed.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-arthritis-day-october-12/

 

World Post Day – 9 October 2023

9 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: Climate change, economy, hunger, inclusion, innovation, integration, post, services

Innovation, Integration and Inclusion

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

In 2015 countries all over the world committed themselves to working together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end extreme poverty and hunger, fight inequality and injustice, and take action to reverse climate change – to name just some of these 17 agreed new Goals. Playing its part in this global effort, the Post today has a more relevant role than ever by providing infrastructure for development.

2023 theme: Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future

Post offices play a crucial role in fostering cohesive, inclusive, connected communities. Presently, over five million postal employees are entrusted with a variety of essential and personal items, from messages, gifts and goods, to money and medicines.

 

Source: Texte & Image: https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-post-day#

World Migratory Bird Day – 8 October 2022

8 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: artificial light, Autumn, light pollution, long-distance migration, migratory birds, spring

Light Pollution will be the focus of the World Migratory Bird Day 2022 campaign.Artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2 per cent per year and it is known to adversely affect manbird species. Light pollution is a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to undertake long-distance migrations.

Solutions to light pollution are readily available. For instance, more and more cities in the world are taking measures to dim building lights during migration phases in spring and autumn. Best practice guidelines are also being developed under the Convention on Migratory Species to address this growing issue and ensure that action is taken globally to help birds migrate safely.

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

International Octopus Day – 8 October

8 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: fossils, legs, mollusks, océan, octopus, skeleton

On October 8th, World Octopus Day celebrates one of the earth’s oldest creatures.

The animal is best known for its eight legs and ink-squirting abilities.

However, there is so much more to know about this fantastic creature.

Octopus fossils date back over 300 million years.
This means that the octopus is older than the dinosaur!

Here are some other cool facts about these cephalopods:

  • 300 species of octopuses
  • 500 million neurons in their brains and arms
  • Octopuses come in all colors, shapes, and sizes
  • A rare type of octopus has tentacles that glow in the dark
  • Some octopuses live in shallow waters while others live 2.6 miles below the surface of the ocean
  • The largest octopus on record weighed 156 pounds
  • Their mantle changes color so that it blends into its surroundings
  • An octopus can swim nearly 25 miles per hour for short distances
  • They mainly eat mollusks, crustaceans, and even smaller species of octopus
  • Some species of octopus lives in every ocean in the world and along every coast of the U.S.
  • The female octopus lays up to 400,000 eggs
  • Large octopus only live up to 5 years

Many people are enamored by the octopus and for a good reason. There is simply no other creature on earth, quite like the octopus. Some consider them the most intelligent being on the planet.

Besides being super smart, the octopus is likened to Houdini. Since the octopus doesn’t have an internal skeleton or a protective shell, it squeezes through narrow openings.  Lacking any bone structure, an octopus has even been known to escape from a jar with a closed lid. They indeed are unique and unusual animals!

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/international-octopus-day-october-8/

28th Sunday of Year C – 2022

7 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
2 Comments
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Ezekiel 34:15-16, God faithful, Isaiah 49:15, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 6:30, Psalm 32:8, relationships

We engage in different types of relationships: with relatives and friends, neighbors and colleagues.
From different people, we expect different things while we appreciate the qualities of each one.
But from all of them, we usually expect one attitude above all others, it is that of FAITHFULNESS.
We want to be able to rely on them in good and bad times alike.

Today’s 2nd reading (2 Timothy 2:8-13) ends with an amazing – and very comforting – statement.
It says:

“We may be unfaithful but he (God) is always faithful.”
 
God’s faithfulness does NOT depend on ours… some of us may need to convince ourselves of this.

Rules and regulations, commandments and observances – all of these are signposts to show us the way.
But our being faithful to them is NOT a condition for God’s love and compassion to reach us.

 

“Does a woman forget her baby at the breast? Even if these forget, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)
            God is faithful…
“I will watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
            God is faithful…
“I myself will show them where to rest… I shall look for the lost one… bandage the wounded.” (Ezekiel 34:15-16)
            God is faithful…
“If God clothes the flowers in the field… will he not much more look after you?” (Matthew 6:30)
            God is faithful…
“I am with you always, yes, to the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20)
            God is faithful…

It is said that there is nothing God cannot do.
Personally, I believe that God CANNOT forget his promises.
God CANNOT fail to carry out what he said he would do
God CANNOT be untrue to his word.

Even in the depths of our own unfaithfulness, we can always rely on this FAITHFUL GOD.
 
 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/28e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/

 

Source: Image: Haiku Deck

World Cerebral Palsy Day – 6 October

6 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: adults, cerebral palsy, Children, disabilities, epilepsy

About World Cerebral Palsy Day

Cerebral palsy is one of the least understood disabilities and people with cerebral palsy are often out of sight, out of mind and out of options in communities around the world. This needs to change.

World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October was created by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2012 and now brings together people living with cerebral palsy, their families, allies, supporters and organisations across more than 100 countries. All with the aim to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society.

About Cerebral Palsy

There are more than 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy. Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with cerebral palsy. It is the most common physical disability in childhood. Cerebral palsy is a permanent disability that affects movement. Its impact can range from a weakness in one hand, to almost a complete lack of voluntary movement.

It is a complex disability:

  • 1 in 4 children with cerebral palsy cannot talk
  • 1 in 4 cannot walk
  • 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability
  • 1 in 4 have epilepsy.

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability and there is no known cure.

 

Source: Text: https://worldcpday.org/   Image: iStock

World Teachers’ Day – 5 October

5 octobre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: career, comfort zone, development, education, Job, students, teachers

World Teachers’ Day on October 5th honors teachers and teacher organizations making vital contributions to the education and development of our future leaders.

#WorldTeacherDay

If you think back to your school years, you are bound to think of at least one teacher who made a difference in your life. Maybe they helped set you on the right career path. One may have encouraged you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Or maybe they helped you when you felt unaccepted by your peers. Even though a teacher’s job is to teach, they wear many hats. They are also counselors and friends. To some students, they may even be guardian angels.

While teaching is indeed a noble career, it is a challenging one, as well. It seems that more than ever, teachers are having a difficult time. Some of the things they contend within the classroom each day are disruptive environments, lack of resources, and limited time. For teachers who have many students, it can be difficult to provide individualized attention.

As teachers prepare students for the future, it’s more important than ever to recognize the difficult job they do.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-teachers-day-october-5/