Dominican Month for Peace 2020
The focus for 2020 will be Advent, when we are all waiting for the celebration of the mystery of the coming among us of the Prince of Peace. Our focus on peace in Ukraine will therefore start on the First Sunday of Advent (29 November), run for the whole of December, and culminate on the Church’s World Day of Peace on 1 January.
Each year, we have noticed a progressively marked increase in the number of solidarity activities organised by Dominican communities in all parts of the world. Masses have been celebrated, creative prayers have been offered, awareness of the focus country has been raised, art forms have been produced, embassies of the focus country have been contacted, and money has been raised for the selected projects. All of these expressions of solidarity have been deeply felt and appreciated by our Dominican Family in these countries. They have been encouraged and strengthened to continue their difficult mission, even in the midst of continuing violence and injustice!
In 2020, we will focus on Ukraine. As we did last year, there will be a particular focus on peace as it applies to youth, which is a major concern for the Dominicans there. Thus, while several projects will be highlighted in which the Dominicans in Ukraine are contributing to the search for peace in the country, one project in particular will be the focus of our attention to provide spiritual and financial support. This is the St Martin de Porres Center in Fastiv, which, for many years, has been caring for socially disadvantaged children: orphans, street children, sick children and children from disadvantaged families. Since the start of hostilities in Eastern Urkraine, the Center has opened its doors to children whose childhood has been poisoned by war. It has adopted more than 220 children from the combat zone, and offered them psychological and spiritual support and the opportunity to recover in a safe environment.
excerpts from announcement 27 July 2020, www.op.org/
See Brochure here.
St Martin de Porres Center, Fastiv