Messages of peace from around the world in honour of our postponed Hiroshima gathering

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From 18 to 22 May we’re sharing messages of peace from around the world in honour of our postponed Hiroshima gathering. Please share these messages with your friends and networks as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the birth of the Pax Christi International movement that same year. You can find all the videos on YouTube, and posted daily on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn feeds. 

“By observing local youth participation, a positive and palpable impact for stability is achieved.” Ruphine from our member Africa Reconciled opens our Online World Gathering with words of encouragement.
“We reflect on the fabric of the universe and give thanks for the abundance and beauty that comes from the skies.” Bridget and Rangi send prayerful greetings from Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand and join in our Online World Gathering.
“We can rejoice too when we are into problems and trials for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Rania of the Arab Educational Institute shares moving words and images from Bethlehem with our Online World Gathering.  Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75 
“There are three things giving us hope here in these strange times:  Pope Francis, the UN call for a global ceasefire, and being part of Pax Christi International.” Theresa Alessandro from Pax Christi UK gives our Online World Gathering grounds for hope in these uncertain times. Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75 
Friends from the Pax Christ movement in Canada share birthday greetings and encouragement as part of our Online World Gathering. Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75 
“We are therefore convinced that with the efforts of the youth themselves we will succeed in building a new world, making nonviolence a way of life and peacebuilding a way of life.” Gustavine from our partner CIAM in Kinshasa sends a youth-filled, hopeful message to our Online World Gathering. Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75  
“The Justice and PeaceCommission in Haiti defends the rights of people in the name of faith in Jesus. We are engaged in observing and denouncing violence throughout the country.”Peacebuilding in Haiti is challenging, but Fr Jan shares conviction of faith and hope with our Online World Gathering.Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75 
“As one global community we are called upon to show mercy and compassion for those who are suffering because of this pandemic.” Bianca from Pax Christi Philippines sends prayers and best wishes to the Online World Gathering. Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75 
“Religious peacebuilding has had a significant importance in South Sudan towards the consolidation of this peace (agreement).” SrElena greets the Online World Gathering from South Sudan, where the faithful work for sustainable peace. Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75 
“Work initiated by the Pax Christi International movement to build a culture of peace, will have a lasting impact on the future not only of our country, Burundi, but also of the Great Lakes Region of the African continent.” Jeanne d’Arc greets our Online World Gathering, telling us about how the Pax Christi movement is making a difference in Burundi. Share, celebrate, and commemorate. .#paxchristi75 
“We know that the efforts of Pax Christi have made dreams and desires for peace come true in various parts of the world.” Our friend and colleague Max from Mexico sends birthday greetings! Share, celebrate, and commemorate. #paxchristi75

Dear friends,

Dear World Gathering participants,

the peace of the risen Christ be with you.

Good morning everyone, my name is Alexis Shirahama, bishop of Hiroshima.

I would like to convey the greetings of my diocese.

I am grateful that Hiroshima Cathedral has been chosen as the venue for the Pax Christi International World Gathering to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings and the birth of Pax Christi International in the same year, but we are obliged to postpone this assembly in Hiroshima from 24 to 28 May 2021. I thank you very much for your work and activities for peace over the past 75 years.

Last year, on 24 November, Pope Francis visited Nagasaki and, in Hiroshima, he delivered messages for a nuclear-free world.

I believe that the Pope’s visit is a good opportunity for we in Japan to prepare well for the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings.

The diocese of Hiroshima, together with the archdiocese of Nagasaki, will create a fund for a nuclear-free world starting from 6 August the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima, as an activity to respond to Pope Francis’ 2019 visit to the atomic zones. It is also an activity for the 75th anniversary of atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The purpose of this fund is to help other Japanese anti-nuclear weapons organisations so that the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty enters into force as soon as possible.

We can talk to you about this project next year.

Our World Gathering preparation team will continue to welcome you to Hiroshima.

Welcome to the World Gathering in Hiroshima.

We will see you soon in Hiroshima. Thank you very much.

Mgr. Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama, Bishop of Hiroshima – Japan –