« World Humanitarian Day is an annual reminder of the need to act to alleviate the suffering. It is also an occasion to honour the humanitarian workers and volunteers toiling on the frontlines of crises. I pay tribute to these dedicated women and men who brave danger to help others at […]
International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action – 4 April
« On this International Day, let us work together to advance the goal of a world free of the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war. » Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. 2016 Theme: “Mine Action is Humanitarian Action” On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year […]
World Day of Children Soldiers – 12 February
Red Hand Day for Child Soldiers 12 February every year: Raising awareness of the plight of children forced to serve as soldiers. Red Hand Day is an annual commemoration drawing attention to the plight of children forced to serve as soldiers in wars and armed conflicts. The Red Hand symbol […]
International Day of Peace – 1 January
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 each year to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. But on January 1st, the Church invites believers and all people of good will to pray for Peace and […]
Terrorist attacks
Paris, Bamako, violence and terror: we wonder, we worry… Awful, terrible, inhuman – we lack words to describe the reality. France, Mali, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Palestine… The litany could go on and on… Yes, we wonder, we worry and… and we search for answers. […]
Remembrance Day – November 11
Every year, November 11 sees us ‘remembering’ – remembering the end of this tragedy of a terrible carnage: killing, maiming, destroying. Wearing the red poppy as a symbol of all those who gave their lives, we remember and we say: « NEVER AGAIN! » And yet . . . Who would say […]