The Catholic Nonviolence Days of Action take place from 21 September (International Day of Peace) until 2 October (International Day of Nonviolence and Gandhi’s birthday). They offer an opportunity for people around the world to come together in solidarity to promote and celebrate nonviolence. We are aligned with Campaign Nonviolence, the Week of Prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel, and the Season of Creation, whose theme is “Peace with Creation” . This year also marks the 800 anniversary of the the St Francis Canticle of Creatures. We invite everyone to say/reflect on the Vow of Nonviolence on 2 October.
Full resource guide here.
More resources from the nonviolent toolkit here
The theme is shared with the 80th Anniversary theme of Pax Christi International. “Building bridges for tomorrow” Since its founding in 1945, Pax Christi has been dedicated to building bridges — of reconciliation after war, of dialogue across difference, and of solidarity in the face of injustice. This anniversary is a renewed call to action, drawing strength from 80 years of faithful peacemaking.
Videos
Mutual Coexistence: Excellent video/prayer for our time from Pope Leo on coexistence
Breaking Barriers, Binding Wounds, Healing Nations video of a retreat given by the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative entitled which weaves together the themes of our Days of Action.
What might you do? Build Bridges across issues – ideas and resources.
This is an ideal time to MAKE CONNECTIONS, build bridges across issues of peace, justice, human rights and climate justice. Use one or more of these opportunities to share how nonviolence can be a tool, a spirituality and a lifestyle that can help create a culture of peace.
1 Sept – 4 Oct: Season of Creation.
15th – 21 Sept. Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice
20th – 26th Sept: Week of Prayer for Peace for Palestine and Israel .
21st Sept – 2nd Oct: Campaign Nonviolence – resources from Pace et Bene
2 Oct, London. Joint event to mark 800 anniversary of the Canticle of Creatures.
Plan your own event or time of prayer .
- Celebrate the creativity of nonviolence. Can you find a news story or prayer for nonviolence that links to one of the dates/events listed.
- Share and pray the Vow of Nonviolence on 2 October. available in seven languages
- Resources here to create your own prayer service.
Questions for discussion and reflection on the theme. - Who are the bridge builders in times of division and breakdown in your family, community?What tools and approaches do you see them use?
- Where do you see links being made between issues of peace, poverty, justice and climate?
- How can these links be made more visible in our Churches?
- Where do you see the Church building bridges in our world today?
Websites
198 nonviolent strategies and approaches by Gene Sharp
Nonviolent Peace Force, the work of Unarmed Civilian Intervention
International Centre on Nonviolent Conflict
Waging Nonviolence: news and analysis of nonviolence struggles around the globe.
Transformative nonviolence: stories of grassroots power changing society
Our shop carries a range of publications of all kinds on the practice and spirituality of nonviolence.
