Nearly 400 guests, including 100 young adults, attended the Peace
and Justice Conference at Church of the Nativity in Burke March 23. George
Mason University law professor Helen Alvaré gave the keynote address.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass to begin the
conference, which was sponsored by the diocesan Peace and Justice Commission.
During his homily, Bishop Burbidge said it is sad we must refer
to our society as a throwaway society. “We know the effects of the throwaway
society. All human life is no longer revered and protected, and the dignity of
all human persons is no longer respected and upheld. Thus, abortion is
legalized, euthanasia and assisted suicide are deemed appropriate.”
Alvaré spoke about the theme of the throwaway culture highlighted
by Pope Francis and gave background on Catholic social teaching about dignity, discussed
current issues, hurdles and ideas.
“Solidarity flows from the idea that people are intrinsically
social,” said Alvaré. “Like the Holy Trinity you were born to be in
relationship.”
A roundtable and panel discussion followed the keynote. Small
groups were asked to answer questions: How are you involved in promoting
justice and the dignity of life? From Alvaré’s talk, what was most challenged
or surprised you? What was most affirming for you to hear?
The panel included Bishop Burbidge, Alvaré, and Lorenzo and
Katherine Resendez, parishioners of Nativity. Lorenzo is a counselor for
diocesan Catholic Charities, while Katherine is a freelance sign language
interpreter.
Samantha Tuz, a young adult from All Saints Church in Manassas,
attended the event. “I probably learned more than I anticipated,” she said. “Most
conferences I go to I feel empowered to do something, and I feel that way
coming to this one.”
George Young, a parishioner of Nativity, viewed the conference
through the lens of his role on the parish Creation Care Committee. “As part of
the committee, our belief is you have to take care of creation and the earth in
order to take care of all mankind,” he said. “If we don’t have our earth, we
can’t do anything to help our fellow man.”
Carolyn Bonanno, a parishioner of All Saints, was struck by Alvaré’s
words on relationship. “We are wired to be that way because we are made in the
image of God — the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit — and they’re in
relationship with each other,” said Bonanno. “I just thought that was profound.”
Several organizations were on hand, including the diocesan Office
for Marriage, Family and Respect Life, Catholic Charities, Creation Care
Commission, the Virginia Catholic Conference, Catholic Relief Services and
Catholic Mobilizing Network.
“The thought was to bring these groups together under this
theme,” said Father Robert C. Cilinski, Nativity pastor and chairman of the
Peace and Justice Commission. “All those groups coming together provides a
united witness of dignity.”