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. The theme for 2026 is “We Have Solutions!” linked with Campaign Nonviolence days of action.
We invite everyone to say/reflect on the Vow of Nonviolence on 2 October.
“Throughout the world, it is to be hoped that every community become a “house of peace,” where one learns how to defuse hostility through dialogue, where justice is practiced and forgiveness is cherished.” Pope Leo, World Peace Day 2026
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.
Timetable of events
1 Sept – 4 Oct: Season of Creation. – Theme Living Water
15th – 21 Sept. Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice – Theme: Divest in War – Invest in Just Transition
20th – 26th Sept: Week of Prayer for Peace for Palestine and Israel . Theme: Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.
21st Sept – 2nd Oct: Campaign Nonviolence – resources from Pace et Bene
2 Oct, London. Celebrate the International Day of Nonviolence PCEW online gathering – register here.
Resources for the Nonviolence Days of Action
Reflect
On the meaning of nonviolence and the approaches, skills and solutions it can bring to our world.
Here is a simple group activity that can stimulate discussion.
Bread not Bombs – bake together!
Invite people from other nationalities to come together to make their traditional bread – sharing about the ingredients, where they come from, how they are used. This could lead to discussion about how resources are used – for life, flourishing and peace or for war and violence.
Pray together
With others, prepare to share the Vow of Nonviolence on 2 October.
Here is a discussion guide for personal or group use to help this preparation.
Work better together
Conflict is part of our life in our families, workplace and our church – but it can be transformed with the skills of nonviolence.
This excellent guide, produced by Pax Christi International offers great guidance for group leaders.
Make connections
The Days of Nonviolence fall with a number of other important ‘days’ that reflect concerns for peace, nonviolence and justice. Check the links in the timetable above to find some useful resources on connected issues.
Here is an activity that could help people begin to see the links between issues of ecology, war, migration and poverty.
Extractives and Conflict
A new Pax Christi E&W resource for secondary age and adults, exploring the connections between the extractive industries, conflict, environment and nonviolent responses and solidarity. Easy to use worksheets.
Resources from 2025
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.
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. - 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.