By Sister Teresia Wamuyu Wachira and Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo
Lest we forget those who lost their lives; carry the devastating scars in broken bodies and spirits… Lest we forget this 81 devastating years today…
Today, 9ᵗʰ August 1945, 81 years since the atomic bombing on Nagasaki, what lessons have we learnt from this devastating act of humanity? This evil act that left behind not only physical scars but emotional, psychological and spiritual scars; effects that are still very visible among the survivors, their families and all humanity. As we commemorate this day, let us remember that each time we keep silent, fail to act decisively by allowing nuclear weapons as a show of might; wiring our minds and hearts on the fact that nuclear weapons can deter and bring lasting peace, we are not only deceiving ourselves; today’s and generations to come, but, normalising a culture of violence; in fact, annihilating the very life we claim to protect, secure and save through their use.
Today, therefore, as we reflect and accompany the atomic bomb survivors and their families, it is an opportunity for each one of us to advocate and take action towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Let us promote dialogue in families, communities and nations and diplomacy among states as we work towards “unarmed and disarming peace” (Pope Leo, XIV).
Sister Teresia Wamuyu Wachira
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo
Peace and human rights respect. Peace in Gaza and the West Bank and respect to Palestine; Peace in Ukraine and Russia; peace in USA and Iran, and peace in all the world and respect for human rights on every country, race, economy, and all.
Nuclear weapons are not only destructive but also dangerous for generations to come. What had happened 81 years ago, the powerful states and greedy people are still playing with such destructive weapons against humanity, peace and love. We pray that the super power nations understand that their power is to establish peace, harmony, development and eradicate poverty from our planet and not for destruction. Let our light shine against those who live in darkness and destructions of humanity and enlighten their minds to save and promote peace in the world.