On May 13,
ACWR (Archdiocesan Council of Women Religious) held a meeting at Mariandale
Retreat Center featuring a presentation by Pace e Bene, an organization
dedicated to fostering justice, peace, and the well-being of all through
education, resources, and action for nonviolent change.
Sam
Chawla-Rios, representing Pace e Bene, presented the unique work of this
organization and its approach to navigating the complexities of working for
peace. Sam explained the “two hands of peace.” One hand is raised to stop evil,
refuse cooperation with it, and take a stance of nonviolent interference. The
other hand is extended in love and compassion, saying, “I have faith that you
can do better.”
Sam also spoke
about the different dimensions of peace: peace within ourselves, with one
another, within society and culture, and with the earth. He introduced the
Gandhian “Iceberg” model, in which direct action is the visible portion, while
constructive programs for peace and self-purification remain largely hidden
beneath the surface.
The visible
aspects include protest, safety teams, singing revolution, contact with
government representatives, support for legislation, non-cooperation, boycotts,
preparation for shutdowns, and illuminating injustice by speaking openly about
it.
The less
visible aspects include communication skills, empathy circles, active
listening, and fostering the capacity to love through grief circles, where
immigrants can express their fears and hopes. This work also encourages a shift
in consciousness toward the “Beloved Community,” supported by art, music, and
writing, such as Love Letter to an ICE Agent by Kaira Jewel Lingo. The hidden
dimension also emphasizes peace within oneself through meditation, prayer,
slowing down, limiting exposure to mainstream news, seeking out nonviolent news
sources such as Nonviolent News, finding beauty, and continuing to learn.
Sam encouraged
everyone to reflect on their own spheres of influence and to engage in this
important work, recognizing its demonstrated effectiveness.
How can you
practice nonviolence this week?