Compassion, the language of God
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “Compassion allows you to see reality; compassion is like the lens of the heart: it allows us to take in and understand the true dimensions. In the Gospels, Jesus is often moved by compassion. And compassion is also the language of God” (Pope Francis). ***************************************** Next Monday, […]
We too are the rock of Faith
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI Over the past few weeks, before and after our General Election on August 10, it has been sad to note on social media, in particular, racist vitriol being spewed by so many people—mainly from the two major ethnic communities that reside in our beloved country. I was […]
Yes, your vote counts
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “…responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium [The Joy of the Gospel], no 220, quoting United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, November 2007, no 13). ******************************************** In just over two weeks, we […]
Accompanying those addicted to gambling
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “We pray for those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied.” —Pope Francis ************************************* In Pope Francis’ prayer intention for April 2020, he asked everyone to pray for those who suffer from addiction, especially addiction to gambling, pornography, and the internet. After last week’s parable […]
Building an inclusive society
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “Violence is not the cure for our broken world“—Pope Francis. Let’s pray for members of the recently appointed committee that is leading the Community Recovery Programme. I am sure they will adopt a multifaceted approach to the work in hand. There is no quick fix in building […]
Understanding our mission
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “When Jesus wants to teach us how a Christian should be, he tells us very little, but he shows people by feeding the hungry and welcoming the stranger….The works of mercy are precisely the path of love that Jesus teaches us in continuity with this great love […]
Time to stand up for fathers
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “Every family needs a father, a father who shares in his family’s joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children and offers them firm guidance and love” (Pope Francis). Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s resolve to create conditions in our communities/society that will enable […]
Elder abuse – an issue that deserves attention
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “Where there is no honour to the elderly, there is no future for the young…We must reawaken our collective sense of gratitude, appreciation and hospitality, helping the elderly know they are a living part of their communities and sources of wisdom for the younger generations” (Pope Francis). […]
Denouncing and combatting racism
Signs, artwork and flowers were placed by people to pay their respects and protest the Monday death of George Floyd at the intersection of 38th St. and Chicago Ave. in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 30 2020. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press) By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI “When injustices around the world are […]
Children, honour your parents
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI Tomorrow, June 1, the world will observe Global Day of Parents. As the UN states: “The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship… “Emphasizing the […]
