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There is no way to peace;
PEACE is the Way!

"Seek peace and pursue it." - Rule of St. Benedict

Over and over in the psalms we hear, "God cares for the poor."  The Gospel challenges us to do likewise.  Seeking peace and acting for justice flow from our prayer together.

Here at Holy Name Monastery our Corporate Commitment gives us direction, energy, and passion.  Our Peace and Justice Committee educates us and gets us moving, and networking with Benedictines for Peace helps us to pray and act in solidarity with others.

Here are some of the recent ways that we are promoting peace and justice:

• Global warming - We viewed the film "Inconvenient Truth" re: global warming and then we lobbied officials and discussed what we, as a community, can do:

  • Conserve energy - gas, oil, electric

  • Hang wash on a clothes line

  • Recycle paper, glass, cardboard, aluminum, tin/metal

  • Recycle aluminum cans for Habitat for Humanity

  • Use paper instead of styrofoam or plastic

• We read the book "Left to Tell" by Rwandan massacre survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza and attended her talk at St. Leo University

• Here at the monastery, we began a book discussion on Jim Wallis' "God's Politics" - the group is open to all who would like to attend - Call for more information on our next session - (352) 588-8320 - RSVP

• Against the Death Penalty - On days when various states carry out an execution, we wear a black cross and pray, by name, for the person.

• The Challenge of Peace - In response to the USCCB Peace Pastoral, each Friday the sisters pray/fast/abstain for peace.

• Prayer to End War - Being against the war since before it began, we signed two public Statements, along with 300 other Benedictines, wrote and called repeatedly to make our voices for peace heard.  Every Friday, at the Prayer of the Faithful, we read the number of war/civilian deaths, along with the name, age and hometown of US military killed that week.  We've had Compline for Peace on the 3rd Friday of the month - all are welcome to join us.  Call for more information.

• Heifer International - We gives alms to Heifer International to purchase goats, bees, ducks, chickens, cows, even a water buffalo for families in developing countries - a gift that keeps on giving.

• Walking to make a Difference - Along with our socially conscious dog, Viking, we participate in Catholic Charities' "Walk for Life", "Crop Walks" and "Relay for Life" to support the National Cancer Society.

• Lobbying - We are always signing petitions, writing and calling government officials.  Here are some toll free numbers:

  • 1-800-826-3688 - Ask for the office of your senator by name.  When connected leave your message.  You will be asked for your Zipcode.

  • 1-800-839-5276 - Capitol switchboard.

May YOU be challenged to find ways to be true to the call to all Christians to seek peace and act for justice.  We invite you to join in our Corporate Commitment actions or other events open to the public, either by attendance and/or donation.

We, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida,
commit ourselves and our resources
to respond with the compassion of Christ
to the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social hungers of the people of God.

It is not WHAT we do that is directed by our Corporate Commitment, but HOW and WHY.  The heart is surely shaped by it.

Corporate Commitment Actions for 2007

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