Catherine Benincasa was born in mid-14th century Tuscany, a plague-ridden, economically and politically unstable time—much like our own. She and her twin sister were the 23rd and 24th children in a prosperous family of 25 children of Lapa and Jacopo di Benincasa, wool dealers. By the time Catherine died at the age of 33 in
How St. Catherine of Siena Healed the World Read More »
It was in September 2003 when our Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee first shared a resource unit on human trafficking with our sisters. In the years since then, I’ve heard and read many stories of exploitation and violence related to the sale and trading of human beings that seem unbelievable in their total
“A Girl Can Be Sold Over and Over…” the Haunting Truth about Human Trafficking Read More »
Week 1 focused on introducing the Dominican history in Ukraine. Week 2 focused on Dominican efforts to help young persons to heal and learn peace building skills, skills that will positively impact Ukraine’s future. Week 3 focused on specific efforts to facilitate peace building efforts through leadership training and promoting reconciliation in local communities and
Dominican Month for Peace: Peace Building Efforts Read More »
After being suppressed during the Communist era, the Order was refounded in Ukraine in the early 1990s. 25 friars in seven communities 18 sisters from four congregations in five communities 82 laity in seven cities 6 groups of Youth in the places of ministry of the friars FACILITATING LEADERS OF RECONCILIATION Along with the work
Dominican Month for Peace: The Dominican Family in Ukraine Read More »
In the aftermath of the April 2014 Ukrainian revolution, the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, and protests by Russian-backed separatist groups, fighting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of East Ukraine (collectively called the “Donbass”) has been ongoing. Hundreds of citifies and settlements have been captured by Russian-led troops. According to the office
Dominican Month for Peace: War, Repression and Displacement in Ukraine Read More »
After three years of demonstrating global Dominican solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are working to bring hope in situations of violence and war, the Dominican Month for Peace has now become a regular part of the annual program of our Dominican Family. We started with a Latin American focus on Colombia in 2017.
Dominican Month for Peace: Ukraine Read More »
“Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You
How to Plan Your Vote in Sangamon County Read More »
Join us in Prayer Monday, June 1 Prayers for A Day of Lament Download and print or use on your device. Download Here(opens in new tab) Sister Marcelline Koch, OP Faith leaders from across many traditions have called for a National Day of Mourning and Lament to grieve and honor those who have died from
Lament and Mourn: An Invitation to Grieve Read More »
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Celebration of the 53rd World Day of Peace, 1 January 2020 1. Peace, a journey of hope in the face of obstacles and trial Peace is a great and precious value, the object of our hope and the aspiration of the entire human family….Hope is thus the
World Day of Peace Message Read More »
Human Rights for India’s Indigenous People India is the home to a large number of indigenous people, who are still untouched by the lifestyle of the modern world. The tribal population of the country, as per 2011 census, is 104.3 million, constituting 8.6% of the total population. 89.97% of them live in rural areas and
India’s Tribal Peoples Read More »
Human Rights for Women in India This essay was written for the Global Dominican Month for Peace by Vicki Schmidt, an associate of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and executive director of Theresians International. The photographs are also hers. Meeting India’s Women My first visit to India in 1981 was a three-month intensive experience among
Gender Equality Issues
Among Indian Women Read More »
Human Rights for Women in India Continuing the experience of girl children (week 2), women, who comprise nearly half the population of India, suffer social and economic discrimination and lack of social liberty with a dominant life experience of oppression, restrictions, violence and exploitation. While they play a vital role in managing the family and
India’s Women:
“A continuum of violence” Read More »
Children under the age of 18 comprise 37% of India’s population Many of them experience deprivation such as lack of access to basic education, nutrition or health care. In addition, many are subjected to various forms of abuse, neglect, violence, and maltreatment which dominate their childhood experience. Further violations of child rights, legitimized by cultural
Under the Indian Center for Integrated Development, there are a number of programs helping youth. http://icid.org.in/. Project Bloom, is a prime example of this. It is an initiative of the Dominican friars in collaboration with Dominican Sisters of the Presentation and Dominican Laity in the Yuvajyothi Children’s Home of the Indian Centre for Integrated Development
Project Bloom:
Dominicans in Action Read More »
The Caste System India’s caste system, which splits up Hindus into different societal groups according to their work and birth, is thought by researchers to go back some 3,000 years. Caste is similar to a social class, but mobility is impossible, and discrimination can occur among those of the same economic class. Scheduled Castes and
