A Time That Calls for Unwavering Hope

Over the past several months, I have attempted to share with you some of what my experience has been as I immerse myself in the world of the United Nations, its agenda and the NGO community. From the development needs of Africa and the status of the Millenium Development Goals; to the critical need for the nations of the world to work toward comprehensive disarmament and the elimination of all forms of violence against women, it is abundantly clear that life as we know it, both human life and the life of the Planet, hangs in the balance. It is, indeed, a time that calls for unwavering hope in the resilience of the human spirit to open itself to the power of transformative grace.

A number of years ago, in our distress over the run-up to the war with Iraq, the US Dominican Family adopted the phrase, “There must be another way,” to voice to this hope. It seems to me, that it is precisely this belief, that there can be another way, that sustains the UN world, both here and in Geneva; as well as the spirits of all who labor for the cause of justice and peace, wherever they may be.  At another point, after the war in Iraq had begun in earnest, we adopted yet another phrase, “The human cost of war…”, as we attempted to keep an account of the war dead – both US military personnel, and, Iraqi civilians. But what strikes me now, more than ever, is the human cost of ignorance. There is so much that we do not know………and the less we know, the fewer are the opportunities to speak the words that need to be spoken, and do what needs to be done in order to cooperate with God’s grace in the transformation of our world. Certainly, there are times when this ignorance is the by-product of lack of access to information. On the other hand, ignorance can also be “chosen,” in our fear of becoming overwhelmed by realities over which we have very little, if any, control.

Our presence as the Dominican Family at the United Nations, here in New York and in Geneva through our brother, Olivier Poquillon, in conjunction with the work of our international co-promoters of justice, peace and care of creation, Toni Harris and Carlos Rodriguez Linera in Rome, is one way for us all to become more literate in terms of a truly global agenda. To that end,  we have established regular contact between Geneva, Rome and New York, to share information, coordinate efforts when possible and offer mutual support as we serve the Family in our respective venues.

As we move closer to the celebration of Christmas and a New Year of possibility, may I remind you that the four of us – Olivier in Geneva, Toni and Carlos in Rome and myself, here in New York – are where we are in your name, privileged to serve the Dominican Family in our respective capacities. As I write for what is basically a US audience, please know that I am available to you and your various constituencies in whatever way may serve you best, so that a bit of truth and knowledge may be brought to bear where fear and ignorance hem us in. And, for those of you who might be interested in some direct experience, volunteer opportunities here in New York are also available. Just let me know……

A few possibilities for your consideration in the near future here in New York:

1. the Commission for Social Development will meet from February 3 – 13. The theme

1. will be “ Social Integration.”                  
2. International Day for Social Justice  - February 20
3. The Commission on the Status of Women will meet from March 2 –13. The theme will be “The Equal Sharing of Responsibilities between Men and Women, including Caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS.”

Deadline for registration for the two Commissions is JANUARY 9. Please be in touch if you are interested in attending any, or all of the proceedings.

As I reflect on all this, permit me to share some wisdom from St. Augustine which I came across just recently…

         Hope has two lovely daughters, anger and courage.
         Anger, so that what must not be, cannot be…..
         And courage, so that what can be, will be.

In this season of renewed Hope that “There must be another way,” may these two lovely gifts be ours in abundance as we continue to minister to the People of God, in the service of Truth.

Finally, we especially remember at this time, the passing, at the age of 107 years, of Alex P. LeBlanc, father of former permanent delegate to the UN in Geneva, Philippe LeBlanc. Our prayers are with Philippe's family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!                                                 

Margaret Mayce, OP (DLC/Amityville)
NGO in Special Consultative Status
at the United Nations
Dominican Leadership Conference
211 East 43 St. Rm 910
New York, NY 10017
email: Margaret Mayce, OP