Since 1964, the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award, created by the Davenport, Iowa, Interracial Council, has been presented to persons of outstanding achievement in peace and justice, not only in their own country but in the world. Former recipients have included Dorothy Day, President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr.; Dorothy Day; St. Teresa of Kolkata; Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama.
When more than 3,000 Black American Catholics gathered for the 13th National Black Catholic Congress July 20-23, they were continuing an initiative that began in 1889 when journalist Daniel Rudd, born a slave in Kentucky, founded the Congress.
In spite of the challenges encountered during the three-year health crisis of COVID-19, “Catholic schools have continued the legacy that has characterized Catholic education: academic excellence, a strong partnership with parents, a sense of community and a faith-filled education for students nationwide,” reports the National Catholic Educational Association.
Each year, Pope Francis invites the Church to commemorate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Sept. 1. This day of prayer begins a month-long “Season of Creation” which concludes on Oct. 4 with the feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. Calling on all Christians to pray and work together to care for our common home, the theme for this year’s Season of Creation is, “Let justice and peace flow.”