Creating a Culture of Peace

Four congregations of Catholic sisters presented Together, Creating a Culture of Peace on Saturday, August 1 in La Crosse, Wis. The congregations, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist celebrated the 160th anniversary of their common founding. The Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis-Cameroon, West Africa, joined these communities in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Franciscan Common Venture. FSPA also celebrated the beginning of 132 years of Perpetual Adoration.  Opening at the conference was the Peace Women Across the Globe 1000 Women for Peace  exhibition.

“Love and forgiveness can heal our world and make a brighter future for our children. Every time we meet someone, it is our opportunity to give love to that person.”

“Peace is not peace unless it is shared. Peace lives on the horizon of a new future. The universe cannot attain peace without us.”

The 1000 Peace Women Across the Globe exhibition opened during the Peace Conference.

“Guideline for peace-making: Remember God first, above all and throughout the process. No peace can be established without an awareness of God.”

The conference closed with Mass that ended with a Cameroonian drum finale.

“It’s time to start coaching. A chronic need is to find women to mentor younger women in peace-making.” Dr. Robert Zuber, United Nations Emergency Peace Service and Global Action to Prevent War

The conference closed with a Peace Mass during which the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis offered the Gospel Procession and Acclamation.