Blessed are the peacemakers

Heureux les artisans de paix

The saying think global, act local? has been attributed to Patrick Geddes. The Scottish biologist, sociologist, philanthropist and pioneering town planner, was also responsible for introducing the concept of "region" to architecture and planning. He has made significant contributions to the consideration of the environment. Geddes believed in working with the environment, versus working against it.  (Source: The worlds of Patrick Geddes: Biologist, town planner, re-educator, peace-warrior. Boardman, Philip. 1978)

In this day and age of instant communications and multiple conflicts, with the best of intentions, it may be hard to keep up with the worldwide hotspots and even harder to effect the necessary changes. While members of the Order of Preachers are currently victims of atrocities in Iraq and elsewhere, our UN representation continues to play its role in voicing concerns and in raising awareness at the global level about issues of justice, peace and care of creation. Regional promoters contribute as well to this awareness campaign.

As a Dominican family, we may be proud of our global commitment for peace, justice and care of creation. However, these issues are not restricted to our UN representatives, our promoters and other socially conscious friars, sisters and lay members. The upcoming 800^th anniversary of the Order (2016) may be an opportune time to reflect individually and in community about peace, justice and care of creation along with effective ways to support the increasing number of victimized individuals. Let's continue to think globally, and act locally one day at a time.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

  Victor Laroche, OP - P.S. English version of article to be published in a newsletter.

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Dominican Preaching Archive Preaching is at the heart of the Dominican vocation. The Dominican Leadership Conference claims for all members of the Dominican Family the right to preach, and commits itself to the struggle this claim entails. The injustices of our day compel us to place the charism of preaching at the service of the poor and powerless. The Dominican prophetic message, rooted in experience, study and prayer, will move both preachers and hearers of the word to act for the transformation of oppressive structures. The Conference on its part will act corporately, confronting evil with the Gospel and working for the construction of a just world order. We embrace the mission of preaching for justice with a commitment to act in collaboration with one another and all those with and among whom we minister ------Dominican Leadership Conference   Click on any article title below to view it in a new window:   • A Call to Light the World With Truth • • Blessed Are the Peacemakers • • A Harvest of Thanksgiving • • DOMINICAN PREACHER • • Dominic's Daring Dream • • Dominic, Preacher of Grace • • Inside Darkness - The Film • • Acquiring Legal Status Under Fedral Immigration Law • • Living With Integrity • • MILITARY SPENDING ROBS PEOPLE IN NEED OF BASIC HUMAN RESOURCES • • Preaching Participation • • Reclaiming the Gift of Prophetic Preaching • • The Call And the Challenge To Address Racism • • United Nations • • WE ARE ALL CALLED TO CONTINUE OUR J0URNEY • • WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL •