The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, in collaboration with the Brothers of the Christian Schools’ Office of Vocations and Volunteer Ministry, offered the online programme “The Power of Active Nonviolence: Transforming Lives, Changing the World”, designed for members of Lasallian institutions.

The programme invited university students, professors, teachers, and all those interested in deepening their understanding of Gospel values of justice and peace. Mourad Barsoum, Director of the Office of Vocations and Volunteer Ministry, highlighted how the Lasallian tradition’s focus on education and empowerment aligned naturally with Pax Christi International’s advocacy for reconciliation and nonviolent conflict resolution.

“The Office of Vocations and Volunteer Ministry sought to inspire people to dedicate their lives to service,” Mourad said, “and partnering with Pax Christi enriched this mission by offering practical ways to build peace and promote social justice.”

About the Training Programme

Certified by Pax Christi International, the programme consisted of five interactive, two-hour online sessions featuring international experts. Simultaneous interpretation was available in English, French, and Spanish.

Start date: April 23, 15:00 (Rome time)
Format: Online sessions with live speakers

Session Highlights

  • April 23: Gospel of Nonviolence in a Violent World
    Ken Butigan (De Paul University, USA) & Marie Dennis (Catholic Institute for Nonviolence)

  • April 30: Conflict, Violence and Nonviolence
    Nicolás Paz (Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain; Director, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative)

  • May 7: Restorative Justice
    Sister Teresia Wamuyu Wachira (St. Paul’s University, Kenya) & Eli McCarthy (Georgetown University, USA)

  • May 21: Active Bystander Intervention and De-escalation (ABI)
    Eli McCarthy (Georgetown University, USA)

  • May 28: Nonviolent Communication
    Elizabeth Kanini Kimau (Peace-builder in Kenya and South Sudan)

The programme successfully engaged participants in exploring peace, justice, and active nonviolence. For more information, please click here.