A Social Concerns Blog from Members of the Passionist Community
The Libyan Samaritan?
In light of the situation in Libya Fr. Sebastian MacDonald, CP offers the following ethical thoughts where he contemplates the Christian image of the “Good Samaritan” and the call by our church to offer humanitarrean intervention in light of human dignity and justice. Fr. Sebastian’s reflection do not offer a position as much as it offers a moral ... Read more
A Passionist Ethical Lenten Reflection: Food
During the Lenten season Fr. Sebastian MacDonald, CP will be offering some ethical reflections on issues related to the struggle of poverty and the struggle for justice in our world. This reflections are offered for our consideration and social reflection rather than to provoke an advocacy position or action. This week Fr. Sebastian reflects of the situation ... Read more
In Passion for Justice | Tagged ethical reflection, Food, food distribution, Hunger
Renounce Violence: A Passionist message in light of the Arizona tragedy
By Fr. Phil Paxton, CP In the aftermath of the tragic killings in Arizona, there has been considerable debate about whether the gunman was influenced by strong anti-government, or by “Tea Party,” rhetoric, and whether this led him to fire on Congresswoman and her associates. No matter where one stands on the question, this latest act ... Read more
2011 World Day of Peace Message: Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace
Since 1968 the Roman Catholic Pontiff’s have shared a message of peace on January 1st of every year. January first is observed in the Catholic calendar as the World Day of Peace and the annual message offers a reflection to the Catholic family for the purpose of building peace in our tattered world. This year’s ... Read more
Duel of the Prophets
During the Advent season many of us enjoy a deep appreciation for the Prophetic tradition. The first lectionary reading during this liturgical season is usually from the tradition of the written Prophets; these include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Amos, Micah and others. During this season we stand in awe of these amazing people who were given ... Read more
Human Rights and the Cross
As we observe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) I offer this reflection to consider some questions regarding human rights and the Cross. It almost seems like a contradiction to celebrate the concept of universal human rights and to observe an article of faith that centers us on a symbol of human torture and ... Read more
In Passion for Justice | Tagged Cross, FDR, human dignity, Human Rights, meliorism
International Human Rights Day Prayer Service
December 10 is celebrated as Human Rights Day. All around the world people observe this day by reflecting on the principles and article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The International Passionist JPIC Commission offers this prayer service in observance of this day. Introduction to Prayer We gather today with our brothers and sisters ... Read more
Prophets of Peace
As we enter the liturgical season of Christmas it is appropriate for us to reflect on the Christian theology of peace during this season where we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace to our violent world. 2000 years after the birth of Christ we still face a violent reality. Our advances in science and technology ... Read more
In Passion for Justice | Tagged Isaiah, New Deal, Peace, Pope Paul VI, prophets, The Challenge of Peace
A Passionist Thanksgiving Reflection
Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Many of us, including myself, are preparing to organize how we will celebrate this American holiday with our family. We should go forward and indeed celebrate the spirit of this great holiday and while we may wish to follow the traditional conventions such as turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce ... Read more
In Passion for Justice | Tagged Civil War, Lincoln, Passionist, social sin, Thanksgiving
Cholera and Riots: An Update from Fr. Rick Frechette, CP
Please send a donation today to help Fr. Rick in Haiti. Dear Friends, It is closer to midnight than not, and I just came back from our cholera tent hospital after delivering more IV needles that get drilled directly into the bone, and after trying to find more gasoline for the generator. The inter osseous IV catheters ... Read more
In Passion for Justice | Tagged Cholera, Fr. Rick Frechette, Haiti
Recent News & Blogs
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International Day of Non-Violence
Lectionary Reflections,Passion for Justice - September 28, 2011
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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: “The Wisdom to know the Difference”
Lectionary Reflections - July 21, 2011
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Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Good and Evil Wolf
Lectionary Reflections - July 14, 2011
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Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Comprehending the Incomprehensible
Lectionary Reflections - July 7, 2011
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July 4th Reflection on Religious Liberty
Passion for Justice - July 1, 2011
