Three Pax Christi regions joined with Pax Christi USA at St. Susanna Church in Dedham, MA on October 29, 2022 to celebrate collectively 140 years of Peacemaking and Gospel Nonviolence.
Pax Christi members from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine participated both in person and through online options. The Assembly opened with warm welcomes from Fr. Steve Josoma, Pastor of St. Susanna Parish and Fr. Rocco Puopolo of PC Rhode Island.
PCUSA Executive Director, Johnny Zokovitch offered the Keynote Address for this very special occasion, “Celebrate Peace: Build on our Past to Create our Future”and PCUSA National Field Organizer, Lauren Bailey presented a workshop on the “Bread Not Stones” Campaign.
The day included workshops on Nuclear Disarmament, Bread Not Stones and Anti-Racism. Pax Christi Maine member, Mary Beth DiMarco presented from a settler perspective on efforts to renounce the Doctrine of Discovery and shared numerous ways to support Indigenous Peoples as allies. There was a prayer & communion ritual led by Nancy Small, PCUSA Teacher of Peace. PC MA honored Dr. Ira Helfand, Physicians for Social Responsibility with a Peacemaker Award as part of their Annual Meeting.
The afternoon the celebration continued with opportunities for networking, a delicious lunch, special anniversary cake and lively music. Representatives from MA, RI and ME shared about the formative years of their respective organizations. Rev. Emmanuel Charles McCarthy was present to share about his involvement in the formation of both PCUSA and PC Massachusetts. PC Maine Co-Coordinator, Mary Ellen Quinn offered some early history of our movement highlighting the contributions of founding members, Fr. Jim Gower; Bill and Ursula Slavick and Francis and Elaine McGillicuddy.
Our wonderful day concluded with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Steve followed by a dinner hosted by him at the rectory with many of the event organizers enjoying one another’s company and looking forward to more opportunities to come together as a larger community of Pax Christi Northeast. Many thanks to all who contributed to this unique gathering! We are blessed.
