Reflection by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Castries.
BUILDING a culture of peace is a process that involves everyone from the youngest to the eldest in the Church and in society. If we sow peace we will reap peace. Pope Francis says that “We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skill” (Apostolic Exhortation on the Call to Holiness in Today’s World #89).
The Archdiocese of Castries and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal have undertaken to work together to build a culture of peace and non-violence in Saint Lucia. This places the Church on the frontline of engaging in social issues that affect the lives of people. It is also a way of witnessing to Gospel values in a milieu of conflict and violence as well as in a culture that disrespects life and disregards human dignity.
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers.” In our families we need peacemakers. In our Communities we need peacemakers. In our nation we need peacemakers. Anyone who considers himself or herself a son or daughter of God is called to be a peacemaker. “Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness” (James 3:18). Building a culture of peace and non-violence requires artisans of peace, peacemakers, who are continually sowing seeds of peace and non-violence.
Last year the March for Peace and Non-Violence took place in the North, in Castries. This year, again on Emancipation Day, the March took place in the South, in Vieux Fort. We marched through some areas that have experienced violent crimes. Some of the victims we buried from our churches – where our Church leaders pleaded for mercy, forgiveness and healing. Every stop along the way was a prayer stop, with a message of peace to those who lived in that particular neighborhood. While we marched there were those at home who were praying and fasting for peace.
While the number of participants was fewer in the South than in the North the number of young people who participated was significant. With our young people participating and working to build a culture of peace there is hope for Saint Lucia. We want to build a culture of peace, respect and understanding. We want to teach our people how to deal with conflict and walk away from violence. We want to live in deeper harmony with each other in our communities. We want PEACE and we will work together for PEACE.