Norbertine Abbey Observers World Day of Peace

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 “I encourage the People of God of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to visit and pray at pilgrimage churches during the Year of Mercy. Pilgrimage is a long-standing and revered practice of the Church, one that produces much fruit in the life of the pilgrim.”  Archbishop John C. Wester, Archdiocese of Santa Fe

On Dec. 8, Pope Francis launched the Jubilee Year of Mercy, an effort to focus the mission of the church and of the faithful on mercy and forgiveness rather than on judgment. This is a call for both individuals and for the institution. Did you know Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque is one of the official pilgrimage sites for this observance?

Today, on the first day of 2016, the abbey will commemorate World Day for Peace and the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God as part of the observance. Pope Francis has called for liturgies of peace on this day. The members of the Norbertine community invites you to join them today for a series of liturgies at the Abbey meditating on mercy, calling for peace, and celebrating the one who bore Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, to our world.

Here is the schedule:

• Solemn Vespers, 5:30pm
• Prayer for Peace in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: 6:00pm. We will pray over lamentations and hopes from 2015. There will be opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation during this time as well.
• Abbatial Mass , 7:15pm
• Fellowship, 8:30pm

If you want to pray with the Norbertines on other occasions, here is their schedule of prayers.

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Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces Receives Advocacy Award

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Peace Lutheran Church was presented the Haaland Award for Advocacy at the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM,... https://t.co/WRdRjIpf3a

— PeaceLutheranLC (@plc_lc) February 6, 2016

Picture (left to right): Rev. Ron Brooker (retired pastor, member of Peace Lutheran Church, and member of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM policy committee), the Rev. Jared Carson (pastor of Peace Lutheran Church), Ellen Young (writer, member of Peace, and an advocate active in LAM-NM and Bread for the World). 

Display at Peace Lutheran

Judy Messal, chair of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexicos policy committee (standing at the far right in the picture), offered these remarks at the ceremony where members of Peace Lutheran Church were honored for their advocacy work.  The award presentation was part of LAM-NMs annual bishops luncheon in Santa Fe on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016.  (Peace Lutheran Church as been participating in Bread for the Worlds Offering of Letters.

(In 2016, members of the church wrote 87 letters to Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Rep. Steve Pearce urging for the Child Nutrition Act to be reauthorized).

It is my great pleasure to speak about Peace Lutheran Church of Las Cruces: this years recipient of the Chris and John Haaland Advocacy Award. The award was created to honor the Haalands, whose  passion for justice was instrumental in establishing our Lutheran Advocacy Ministry here in New Mexico.

Past recipients of the award have been the following:
• Ivan Westergaard, supporter of Lutheran advocacy, leader in Albuquerque Interfaith
• And Carlos Navarro, New Mexico Coordinator for Bread for the World.

Now, Peace Lutheran Church, we recognize the steadfast advocacy work you have done. Since the first year of Lutheran advocacy in New Mexico 1984, you have been involved—both your clergy and the people of your congregation have supported us. 

Members of Peace had been leaders in our statewide ministry. Throughout our 32 years, there has always been a member of Peace on our Policy Committee.  But you didn’t stop there. You have an active, even a model, Bread for the World ministry advocating just policies to alleviate hunger in the United States and abroad.

Your members also have been active advocates in your community on matters affecting homeless children, immigrants, and others.

I also want to mention the Border Service Corps, a program your congregation-- relatively small at the time--had the courage to establish in the 1990s. The program provides opportunities for young people of various faith backgrounds-- from the U.S. and even abroad--to serve people on the U.S./Mexico border. Living simply together, earning only small stipends, they work in daycare programs for homeless children, in health clinics and ACLU offices, in Catholic Charities legal services, in food pantries, in Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and more.

And finally, as advocates, they work toward systemic change.

In all these ways, Peace Lutheran Church, your faithful advocacy inspires us.

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Observing International Peace Day

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Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere.  UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Each year the United Nations and member nations observe International Day of Peace on the 21st of September. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.

"Non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and corporations all have a role to play in fostering social progress, protecting the environment and creating a more just, stable and peaceful world. The value of this collaboration is our theme for the Day: “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All,” said the UN.

Here are excerpts from a speech by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to commemorate this years International Day of Peace, which is held in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the UN.

"I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace. Although it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere....

We live at a moment of peril – but this is also an era of great promise. In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, our 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. This is fundamental to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount.

On the International Day, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, let us seize the opportunity achieve the Organization’s founding purpose: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."   Read full address

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Peace in a Time of Anguish A video from the Parliament of World Religions

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We share this vision of creating peace in these times of anguish. Let us be love and compassion, a link to interfaith understanding, and may we move together in harmony to reclaim the heart of humanity. Let our spiritual paths intertwine, our action join us in a global compassion effort, and let us lead our lives together toward a better world. - Parliament of World Religions

Confronting War, Violence and Hate with Love and Compassion
In memory of all who have been harmed and died in global conflicts and for our human family, We share this vision of creating peace in these times of anguish. Let us be love and compassion, a link to interfaith understanding, and may we move together in harmony to reclaim the heart of humanity. Let our spiritual paths intertwine, our action join us in a global compassion effort, and let us lead our lives together toward a better world. Video © 2015 Parliament of the Worlds Religions
Posted by Parliament of the Worlds Religions on Monday, November 16, 2015

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A Sacred Peace

2:24 AM in a, Aqua, peace, sacred

Sunrise in Albuquerque, December 8, 2015

Your moment of peace might seem small and fleeting, but its effect is not to be underestimated. Its a sacred peace that settles in your bones. Its an unexpected peace that grounds you in time and space. Its a mysterious peace that whispers of your part in the Divine creation, and sings of our unity with She Who Is. 

Excerpt from Moments of Peace, an Advent reflection by Lora East, Masters of Divinity, San Francisco Theological Seminary

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