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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.

 

27th Sunday of Year C – 2022

30 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
2 Comments
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, adjust, approaching God, approaching people, fear, friends, Holy Spirit

Most of us are in contact with many people every day.
We approach some of them spontaneously, considering them as friends.
Others, we keep our distance from them, we are not sure how we will be received.
There are some, we know that we will always be welcomed when knocking at their door.
Others, we would not go to them at any time, we feel we must choose the right moment.

What about God?
Do we approach him, spontaneously, without any hesitation?
Are we convinced that any moment is a good moment to ‘get in touch’ with him?
Or are we in doubt that we will be welcomed?
Are we afraid to go to him just as we are?

In today’s 2nd reading, we meet the apostle Paul writing to his friend Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14).
Some of his words can help us to ‘adjust’ our way of looking on to God – enabling us to come to him in a way that is ‘just’.

  • Just seeing him really as our Father.
  • Just accepting that we are his beloved children.
  • Just trusting him, truly.

Paul writes:
“God did not give us a spirit of fear
but power, and love, and self-control.”
 
It is sad to see how many people fear God, how may do not dare to come to him with the simplicity of a child.
They may think that they are sinners and are not worthy to approach him.
They forget that Jesus came precisely for sinners – he said it openly (

).

God never asked us to be worthy, he asks us to be confident in his mercy – that’s all!

Some of us have yet to REALize this basic and wonderful reality!
May it become REAL indeed!

The last line of the reading tells us how this is possible…
“…with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/27e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/

 

Source: Image: Oak Grove Church of Christ

 

World Day of Migrants and Refugees – 25 September 2022

25 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: building the future, challenge, Concern, conflicts, migrants, persécution, refugees, vulnérable

This year, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on 25 September. Catholics worldwide are called upon to remember those displaced by conflict and persecution.

ADDITIONAL INFO

The last Sunday of September of every year is the Vatican’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) is always an occasion to express concern for many different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for the challenges and increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.

Pope Francis chose “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” as the theme for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

 

Source: Text: https://www.icmc.net/calendar/world-day-of-migrants-and-refugees-2022/   Image: migrants-refugees.va

 

World Day Against Software Patents – 24 September

24 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: developers, inventor, Open Source Software, pioneer, software freedom, software patents
World Day Against Software Patents is held on September 24. Brussels, 2nd September 2008 — A global coalition of more than 80 software companies, associations and developers has declared the 24th of September to be the “World Day Against Software Patents”. This event in the third decade of the month September is annual. Help us Help us 
The first software patent was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on April 23, 1968 on an application filed on April 9, 1965, Martin A. Goetz, a pioneer in the development of the commercial software industry, was the inventor of the first software patent ever granted, U.S. Patent No. 3,380,029.
A global coalition of more than 80 software companies, associations and developers has declared the 24th of September to be the « World Day Against Software Patents ». The Hindu, a national daily dedicated one page of its Bangalore edition to software patents and software freedom. Deepa Kurup contributed written two articles titled « Will patenting take the byte out of IT here? » and « How would it be if you read only one type of book? » which reflects some of the concerns of the Free/Libre/Open Source Software community.
Source: Text: https://webplus.info    Image: Journée mondiale

26th Sunday of Year C – 2022

23 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: blind, handicaped person, Luke 16:19-31, parable, poor, refugee, reversal of situation

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s gospel text probably appears to many of us as somehow strange, awkward even (Luke 16:19-31).
We may feel uncomfortable at the wording, and more still at the scenes described.
It all seems rather remote from our own experience.

Really?
What about ‘translating’ this parable of Jesus into a panorama familiar to us.

A poor man near the church begs for money,
       – a hurried parishioner enters the building without looking at him…
A distressed woman has lost her way and asks for help,
       – the rich passer-by hurries to the waiting car…
A refugee recently arrived in the country looks for the social center,
      – the family on holiday, unconcerned, runs to catch the bus…
A handicapped person is unable to move up the sidewalk,
      – the person behind makes a detour not bothering…
A blind is waiting, afraid to cross the street,
      – those around do not bother to offer assistance…

If, no, when there is a reversal of those situations, what will happen?
When those in need become rewarded and blessed, what will become of the others –
The others who…

  • did not pay attention,
  • did not bother,
  • did not get involved,
  • did not give help?…

Perhaps… yes, perhaps Jesus’ parable should make us feel uncomfortable…

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/26e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/

 

Source: Image: unsplash.com   depositphotos.com

World Rhino Day – 22 September

22 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: conservation, ecotourism, endangered species, environment, habitat lost, poaching, rhinocéros
RHINOCEROS: AFRICA’S ARMOURED GIANT SPECIES:
 CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (AROUND 5200 REMAIN) DICEROS BICORNIS

 Affected by: Illegal wildlife trade

The rhinoceros is Africa’s armoured giant – like a tank on legs – and has been on our planet for millions of years. But right now they need our help. Poaching of rhinos for their horns and habitat loss are huge threats to both white and black rhinos.

The ‘southern’ subspecies of white rhinos is a conservation success story and had been helped back from under 100 in 1895 to over 20,000 individuals. However recently white rhino numbers have been declining due to a surge in poaching, with 15,942 remaining in the wild today. Sadly there are no individuals from the ‘northern’ subspecies of white rhinos left in the wild, and only a handful in captivity.

For the black rhino (slightly smaller, with a more pointed top lip) the worst period was between 1970 and 1992, when around 96% of them were lost to wide-scale poaching. Only 6,195 are left in the wild today.

Poaching of rhinos for rhino horn is still a huge threat, and the poachers have got increasingly better equipped. Help us make sure we don’t lose these incredibly precious creatures.

WHY AFRICAN RHINOS ARE SO IMPORTANT

It’s not just because they’re a precious link to our planet’s ancient past…  rhinos also play a crucial  role  in their environment. 

White rhinos are big grazers, eating lots of vegetation, which helps shape the African landscape. Other animals benefit, and it keeps a healthy balance within the environment.

Local people depend on the natural resources from these environments for food, fuel and income too. Ecotourism can be a vital sustainable source of funds for local communities. As one of Africa’s wildlife ‘big five’, rhinos are a popular sight for tourists.

By helping protect the rhino we’re helping protect its environment for the benefit of both people and wildlife for generations to come.

 

https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/wildlife/african-rhinos    Images: GKToday      unsplash.com

International Day of Peace – 21 September 2022

21 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: compassion, conflicts, discrimination, empathy, hatred, non-violence, peace, racism

2022 Theme: End racism. Build peace.

Each year the International Day of Peace 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.

But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

As Secretary-General António Guterres has said:

“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, causing people to flee, we have seen race-based discrimination at borders. As COVID-19 keeps attacking our communities, we have seen how certain racial groups have been hit much harder than others. As economies suffer, we have seen hate speech and violence directed at racial minorities.

We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.

We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.

The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.

 

Source: Text: UN   Image: unmiss.unmissions.org

International Day of University Sport – 20 September

20 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: culture, education, science, sport, students, university

Connecting students around the world

Organised annually since 2016, the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) is celebrated on 20 September and was officially proclaimed by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO).

This day aims at creating links between universities and their local communities focused around sport, physical activity and healthy living.

Through this event, FISU aims to involve the multiple university sports stakeholders and member organisations in IDUS activities, not only as a way to promote its sports events but also to create a debate on university sport and to promote FISU values. IDUS is a platform to exchange ideas, best practices, challenges and opportunities within and through university sport worldwide.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.fisu.net/education/international-day-of-university-sport  

World Clean-up Day – 17 September

17 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: charismatic leader, civic movement, clean-up, imagination, metropolis, opportunity, planet
A goal that crosses borders and defies religious and cultural differences. World Cleanup Day is one of the biggest civic movements of our time, uniting 191 countries across the world for a cleaner planet. On that day volunteers and partners worldwide again came together, despite the special requirements and many restrictions of Covid-19, to rid our planet of trash – cleaning up litter and mismanaged waste from our beaches, rivers, forests, and streets.

The humble beginning

‍This world-changing idea began in the small northern European country of Estonia, in 2008. 50,000 people united to clean up the entire country in just five hours. On that day, a global bottom-up civic movement was born and spread like wildfire around the globe. This captured the imaginations of people worldwide, who were inspired to follow suit with the same ambitious ‘one country, one-day’ formula.

The simple idea has grown into a global movement with millions of volunteers and charismatic leaders. The simple act of cleaning has become a force that binds together people and groups that would otherwise never dream of working towards the same goal. Civil society, governments and global corporations, women in Saudi Arabia, people defying war in Yemen and Syria, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Christians, men and women, children.

Why?

‍Nearly every human on this planet has a place they call a Home. Be it a mansion, a street, a hut or a flat in a metropolis. Then there are the cities, countries, and regions we call home. And the planet we call home. When 50,000 Estonians cleaned their home in 5 hours, the world got wind of it. The simplicity of the idea and the ‘let’s do it’ attitude took off and the rest, as they say, is history. Anyone can pick up trash. In 2018, a 101-year old man volunteered to clean in Curaçao. In Estonia, a group of mothers carrying their babies went out to clean. In Scotland, a dogs association came out with the dogs. But World Cleanup Day has become so much more than the simple act of picking up trash. Daycares, schools, companies, government officials – the old, the young, the rich, the poor, the able and less able – everyone contributed. Because they could. Because they wanted to be involved in making their home a better place. Because they were given an opportunity to help. Because they belong to a community.
Source: Text & Images: worldcleanupday.org

25th Sunday of Year C – 2022

16 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: astuteness, children of light, crafty steward, dishonest manager, God's way, Luke 16:1-13

Looking at a scene, different people will appraise the situation in different ways.
This thought came to me after reading the gospel text of this Sunday (Luke 16:1-13).

Some comments refer to it as the parable of: ‘The Dishonest Manager’,
while others give it the title: ‘The Crafty Steward’.

The two expressions refer, in fact, to two aspects of Jesus’ story.
The text says:

“The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness.”

And Jesus adds:
“The children of this world are more astute… than the children of light.”

So, the message may be that of learning astuteness according to God…
This could be the way of becoming truly “Children of light… »

Thinking about it, we could say that:
Being a Christian is really this: taking on God’s ways! 

  • God’s way of thinking,
  • God’s way of seeing the world,
  • God’s way of judging situations,
  • God’s way of speaking,
  • God’s way of interacting among ourselves
  • God’s way of responding to the needs of people,
  • God’s way in reacting to the different situations we find ourselves in…

GOD’S WAY… the secret!

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/25e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/

 

Source: Image: Dust Off the Bible

World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September

10 septembre 2022
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, commitment, prévention, strategy, suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day. In 2011 an estimated 40 countries held awareness events to mark the occasion. According to WHO’s Mental Health Atlas released in 2014, no low-income country reported having a national suicide prevention strategy, while less than 10% of lower-middle income countries, and almost a third of upper-middle and high-income countries had.

On its first event in 2003, the 1999 WHO’s global suicide prevention initiative is mentioned with regards to the main strategy for its implementation, requiring:

  1. « The organisation of global, regional and national multi-sectoral activities to increase awareness about suicidal behaviours and how to effectively prevent them. »
  2. « The strengthening of countries’s capabilities to develop and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention. »

 

Source: Text: Wikipedia    Image: freepik.com