Justice & Peace
It has been an odd if not turbulent year for the Commission, the Diocese and seemingly the world. After this week’s mass shootings in Australia and America, it is natural to question our safety, peace, sanity and sanctity, especially as the year comes to an end in such violent and horrific ways. The bitter sadness of lives lost and families shattered is palpable – even from across the seas. The senselessness of violence and hate directed to strangers gathering in religious celebration or an end of year review class makes no sense: is incomprehensible, insensible and just plain wrong. This …
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Sunday 16 November 2025 marks the 9th World Day of the Poor and The Jubilee of the Poor. This Sunday we are invited to embody the spirit of Jubilee. A time to commit to uplifting and supporting those in need and ensure that all people can live a life of safety and dignity. We know that “Jesus identified himself with the lowest ranks of society and how, with his love poured out to the end, he confirms the dignity of every human being, especially when “they are weak, scorned, or suffering.” (Dilexi Te, n.2) And being assured of God’s unending …
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This week the Māori Vicarate, Social Impact, Catholic Caring Foundation, and the Justice & Peace Commission hosted monthly staff prayers using the themes of The Faces of Christ, The Church of the Poor and Red November: Aid to the Church in Need. Welcomed by Loraine, our Vicar for Social Impact, we began by acknowledging and holding space for those who have passed in the last year. November, beginning with All Saints and All Souls, is the month we remember all our loved ones who have gone beyond to their heavenly reward. She then directed attention to the Gospel of Matthew …
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Having a yarn with our Aussie Mob We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who walked upon and cared for the land in Wonnarua Country. We recognise the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country and their commitment to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation. For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. (Prof Mick Dodson). The Justice and Peace Commission offer a glimpse into the Triannual Australian National Aboriginal and …
Read More about The Travel Journal of NATSICC Assembly 2025: Pilgrims of Hope Across the Ditch
“LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. With tremendous praise and thanks to all those who contributed and made our ‘Peace with Creation 2025’ photo challenge a grand success this Season of Creation. Praise be to you all! ‘For justice, peace, love and beauty.’ Amene JPCA 🕊 View individual photos from the challenge on our Facebook page.
This week for Social Justice Week we join with Caritas Aotearoa in closing their three year peace campaign with ‘Let’s build peace together.’ Here in this online sacred space, we share our thoughts on this year’s Social Justice Week theme. We are also gathering each morning at 10am to pray together for peace as a workplace. This morning saw us ‘building peace through prayer.’ In our busy working days and lives it is easy to forget the intrinsic power of prayer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us when we pray, go into our room, close the door and …
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August 9 every year commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This date, adopted in December 1994 by UN General Assembly, marks the date of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Geneva in 1982. This year heralds 31 years since the UN first declared an International Day in celebration and awareness of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, better known today as World Indigenous Peoples Day. Bit of a history buff? Read more about the conception of IDoWIP here. As with all …
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Next Tuesday, July 22nd, the Eastern and Western Churches (Catholics are part of the Western Church for those new to the reference) celebrate the Feast Day of St. Mary Magdalene – the Apostle of the Apostles. This year I was challenged to recalibrate my understanding of St. Mary Magdalene by taking the concept of ‘mere figure of feminist theology’ and moving beyond that typecast to appreciate her deeper value. I am old enough to remember when we stopped referring to Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. Not comprehending at a young age what a colossal shift in perception that must have …
Read More about Modern Magdalene: A Brief History in Restorative Justice