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April 4—International Day of Landmine Awareness & Assistance in Mine ActionThis day is a special day to raise awareness of the dangers posed by landmines and other unexploded munitions.  This is also a day to call on all nations to eliminate the use of landmines.  It is estimated that 15,000-20,000 people are injured or killed each year in areas where war and armed conflict has officially ceased, but where landmines remain an unseen daily danger.  These explosives endanger the lives of farmers planting fields, women walking to fetch water or firewood, and even children at play.  Landmines also make the [...]

Stop Gun Violence The Wheaton Franciscans condemn the violence in the United States that continues to take innocent lives. In a week that numbs the soul, we recognize that the shooting in Boulder, Colorado, was the seventh mass shooting in seven days resulting in a total of 40 deaths in one week. Gun violence in total takes 40,000 lives per year in the United States.We pray for all of the victims and the families of this senseless violence, yet prayers are not enough. We also implore lawmakers to act courageously and immediately to pass meaningful legislation to control access to [...]

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 [...]