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March 8—International Women’s DayInternational Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Recognizing that challenge is necessary in bringing about change, the theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge—a challenged world is an alert world!  We are all called to be aware of our gender bias and inequality wherever and whenever we encounter it.  On this day we also seek out and celebrate the achievements of women over the world.  We recognize that women’s contributions to society are [...]

February 6—International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)In 2003, thanks to Stella Obasanjo, the then First Lady of Nigeria, "Zero Tolerance to FGM" became the official stance of the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC) and the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights.  This date was established as a day dedicated to raising international awareness about this practice and the need to eradicate it.  FGM is now considered a form of violence against women and girls and is universally recognized as a form of human rights abuse. In addition, the medical [...]

Pray for Peace and Reconciliation In light of the tragic events of January 6 in our nation’s Capitol, The Wheaton Franciscans invite you to join us in prayer for a peaceful transition of power and for healing and reconciliation for all people in our nation. Our Franciscan tradition calls us to reflect on a God of nonviolent and compassionate love. Let us work to cultivate peace in our hearts that we might be a “Presence of peace and reconciliation” in our communities and our nation.Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27) May the [...]

January 1—World Day of Peace 2021 marks the 54th annual World Day of Peace.  The theme is “Good Politics is at the Service of Peace.”  In this year’s address, the Pope Francis appeals to the international community and every individual to foster a “culture of care” by building solidarity, and advancing justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations through active non-violence. He stresses that there can be no real and lasting peace without a culture of care based on “a common, supportive and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity and good of all, a willingness to [...]

December 1—World AIDS Day December 1, 2020 marks the 32nd global World AIDS Day to raise awareness about the continued epidemic affecting over 38 million people currently living with HIV worldwide. In 2019, there were over 1.7 million new cases reported, and over 690,000 deaths.  On this day, we remember all those who have died since the disease was first recognized in 1981.  We honor the loved ones who cared for the dying in the early days of the pandemic, when no treatment was available and where an AIDS diagnosis usually meant swift and certain death.  We are grateful care [...]