Peace on Earth

Today marks the final day of our Pope's visit to the United States. I loved watching him emerge from the airplane yesterday and step foot in my dear Philadelphia. I am also grateful for his message last night at the Festival of Families:

"All that is beautiful leads us to God. Because God is good, God is beautiful, God is true. Thank you all those who have offered their witness."

His message of love and mercy can transform if we become the hands and feet of Christ, like St. Teresa reminds us.

Yesterday afternoon I participated in an event called "On the Move." It was an opportunity for the community to join together and offer witness to the fact that we, as Christ's hands and feet, are called to be stewards of our earth. Groups came from the north, south, east, and west and met in a plaza where we celebrated with music and addresses that united us with one another and with our planet. As our group walked from the east, we chanted together, "Peace on Earth. Peace in our city."

Like the Pope, another prophet calling us to be witnesses was Oscar Romero. His prayer reminds us that we cannot do everything, but what we can do, we can do well. I believe "On the Move" was an example of that - a community doing its small part to raise awareness of the work that builds the Kingdom. From our Art House students who created paper butterflies and peace flags to the sisters who joined the walk and to those who spoke, I think our Pope would have been proud of our celebration.

Where does Christ call your feet to move and your hands to build? How do you offer witness?

UPDATE: So cool! Francis on campus!

Let us walk in the holy presence.

Planting Peace