Peace and Justice Mass encourages students to strive for a better world

Peace and Justice Mass encourages students to strive for a better world

Nicole Askar, Staff Writer

In this first month of 2015, in the aftermath of what can be described as a volatile previous year, the world seems to be left in an uncertain state. After the riots in Ferguson, ISIS’s rampage of the Middle East, the kidnapping of 276 Nigerian girls by Boko Haram, and the attacks on Gaza, many are left wondering how to combat such injustices.

On January 15, 2015, the Cathedral Catholic High School community united to celebrate a ‘peace and justice’ liturgy. The Mass began with a faith talk by senior Cassandra Fernandes, who recounted her father’s immigration to the United States from war-torn Angola. The Mass itself was led by Father Michael White, a member of the religious order Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Fr. White was the chaplain at University of San Diego High School and is now a chaplain and professor at the University of San Diego.

As Fr. White delved into the topic of peace and justice, he recounted an experience he had visiting his “brother Spiritans” in Algeria. While in Algeria, the local Catholic bishop gave Fr. White his stole, asking him to “wear it wherever the Church experienced life, hope and joy…and mystically connect it to the people suffering in Algeria.” The bishop died two weeks after gifting the stole, due to a car bomb that went off while he was en route to a Peace Summit in Algiers.

At the Peace and Justice Mass, students were reminded that they are part of something greater than themselves. Each individual is connected to each other and therefore should feel inclined to protect others from the inequalities that plague our society today. Justice is defined as righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness. This means more than just “no wars.” This means maintaining the dignity and worth of other people.

Looking at the world today, it is painfully easy to be convinced that it is impossible to make a difference. However, tough a situation may seem bleak, it is essential to remember that all people have a responsibility to serve others. Fr. White said, “People must find their unique way to be peacemakers and workers for justice.  The one thing that is certain– we all have this responsibility, [it is] not meant just for the special few.”

Although it is easy for one to feel as though their individual gifts cannot dispel any injustices or provide equality for others, peace must begin in one’s own heart. One cannot positively influence others without having confidence in their own ability to erase the disparities in our society.

By taking small, individual steps, it is possible to contribute to a greater good, slowly but surely improving the quality of life for other people. Peacemaking does not need to be made up of grand gestures, but rather modest successes that can lead to a great change.