My Calendar
Events in December 2023
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27/11/2023
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28/11/2023
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29/11/2023(1 event) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 
This day was established way back in 1977 when the UN declared that Israel's occupation of Arab territories was illegal and that peace could only come about in the region if Israel withdrew from these places. No such withdrawal has taken place. In 2018, Maria Fernanda Espinosa (the President of the General Assembly of the UN) reported that:
The Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, said on this day in 2018: "Today, in particular, our hearts are heavy with the suffering of the people in Gaza. Approximately two million Palestinians remain blocked in increasing poverty and unemployment, with limited access to adequate health, education, water and electricity. Young people see little prospect of a better future. I urge Israel to lift restrictions on the movement of people and goods, which also hamper the efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies, without jeopardizing legitimate security concerns. I call on Hamas and other militant groups to halt their military build-up in Gaza, including the indiscriminate launching of rockets and incendiary devices directed at Israel. "
There seems to be little progress and, all the while, people suffer! A PRAYER FOR TODAY O Lord, You are the peace and peace emanates from You. O God of Glory and Majesty grant us security and safety, and alleviate the suffering of your people. O Lord, bring comprehensive and just peace to our country and region so that our people and the peoples of the Middle East and the whole world would enjoy the fruit of peace, stability and coexistence. We want peace for us and for our neighbours. We seek prosperity and peace of mind for ourselves and for others alike. O Lord, answer our prayers and make successful our endeavors for you are most just, most merciful, Lord of the Worlds. This prayer was offered by the Muslim President Abbas of Palestine in Rome when he met Pope Francis and Shimon Peres, the Israeli President in June 2014.
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30/11/2023(1 event) Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare 
Chemical weapons have been used for centuries. In the 17th century, France and Germany signed an agreement NOT to use poison bullets! In 1899, countries at the Hague Peace Conference declared they would not use projectiles which contained "asphyxiating or deleterious gases". However, during the First World War, over 100,000 humans died and more than 1 million were wounded by the use of gas. In the Second World War, gas was not used in combat but was used in the Holocaust Concentration Camps. In 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention (proposed in 1993) came into force on 29 April. Its purpose was, “for the sake of all mankind, to exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons.” And so, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was set up to monitor this happening. There have undoubtedly been huge successes and OPCW Member States represent about 98% of the global population and landmass, as well as 98% of the worldwide chemical industry. The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for what it has done to eliminate chemical weapons. OPCW claim to have eliminated 97% of all chemical weapons. However, throughout the Syrian Civil War (which started in 2011) - and as recently as 2017 - chemical weapons have been used.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available as a 1 minute video by clicking HERE) Loving God, we give thanks for the progress made in eliminating chemical weapons. We pray for those who have suffered death or injury because of them. We pray for those who order their use that their hearts might be transformed to seek ways of peace.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. AMEN
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01/12/2023(1 event) World AIDS Day 
Here's a 2 minute video of useful information!
A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY (available HERE as 1 minute video) Loving God, we are mindful this day of our sisters and brothers living with HIV and AIDS. We ask for your healing presence on them especially the children around the world who have been left vulnerable. We stand with those who have been rejected, abandoned or stigmatised by their condition. And we pray for a just distribution of resources in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
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02/12/2023(1 event) International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 
"Slavery - that finished ages ago, didn't it?"Well, actually no!DID YOU KNOW?
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Loving God, who sees the unseen and notices the unnoticed, help each of us to hear the Hidden Voices of those who pray for release from slavery. We pray for those who work to end exploitation and trafficking that they (and we) be strengthened in resolve to free your people. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
(Adapted from prayer by The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Chair of The Clewer Initiative.) |
03/12/2023(1 event) International Day of Persons with Disabilities 
A 3 minute video celebrating different abilities! We pray that throughout the world, people with disabilities may be seen as people with different abilities. May all experience dignity, acceptance of equality and self-sufficiency in their lives. We ask that all be empowered to live free from prejudice, persecution or discrimination of any kind. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, may we work together to do whatever we can to achieve this. AMEN |
04/12/2023
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05/12/2023(2 events) International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development World Soil Day 
Soil erosion - what's so important about that? Find some answers by watching this 2:11 video!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Creator God, we thank You for soil, one of creation's wonders that we simply take for granted. Be with those who labour on the land, help us all to make decisions which contribute towards nurturing and preserving it so that the soil will continue to bear fruit that all your children might be fed! We pray this in your holy name. AMEN
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06/12/2023
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07/12/2023(1 event) |
08/12/2023(1 event) Traditional date for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
Here's a video covering this feast day - which is often misunderstood! (3 mins 30 secs) |
09/12/2023(2 events) International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime |
10/12/2023(1 event) Human Rights Day 
Here's a special message for Human Rights Day 2020 - a year like no other (2:09). So what are Human Rights (2:08)? A PRAYER We pray this day for all who are denied human rights. We pray for individuals and organisations campaigning for the oppressed. We pray for oppressors that their hearts be transformed.
Loving God, help us to be beacons of hope, willing to speak and campaign, to support and encourage, to show compassion and resilience, so that your kingdom of peace and justice be established in this place, at this time.
Give us wisdom and courage to make the first seemingly small steps and declarations required to make giant leaps and proclamations.
We ask this in your holy name. AMEN |
11/12/2023(1 event) International Mountain Day 
Did you know?
So you can see that mountains are incredibly important! However, there are problems our mountains are facing because of climate change:
A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available here as a 1 minute video.) Creator God, we pray for those who live on, and rely on, mountains for their livelihood. We pray for courageous leaders who will tackle climate change at their national level. We pledge ourselves to tackle climate change on an individual level by every day decisions that impact the world we share.
We give thanks for those who support us as we climb the mountains in our lives. Help us to find and stay on the right path and give us strength to keep going when the going gets tough.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
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12/12/2023(3 events) Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 
Here's a brief introduction to Our Lady of Guadalupe
CLICK HERE FOR a summary which includes our special connection to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a Notre Dame school. (3 mins 19 secs)
A PRAYEROur Lady of Guadalupe,O dark Madonna of the Americas,Come again to bring usthe roses of compassion, justice, and peace.
In the midst of our winter,bestow your love on all those marginalized in these lands,and give us your gift to see dignityin the least of those among us.Bless all who suffer from injustice.Shelter them in the warmth of your loveand safeguard them from evil that rages around them.Turn our eyes and hearts to their needsand give us courage to act for their good.We ask this, relying on your compassion and confident of your love.Amen(Prayer from Education for Justice)
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13/12/2023
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14/12/2023
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15/12/2023
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16/12/2023
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17/12/2023
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18/12/2023(2 events) Arabic Language Day 
It's World Arabic Language Day when the international community takes a moment to appreciate Arabic and its contributions to humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 290 million people. World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization. Maybe you could work out the other 5! (Answers below) The Arabic language has given rise to developments in architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Arabic has played an important role in passing on the knowledge of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. Arabic numerals form the basis of mathematics Classical Arabic is the liturgical (prayer) language of 1.8 BILLION followers of Islam! Here are some English words which have come to us from Arabic:
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Loving God, we give thanks for Arabic language and culture. Help us to use their richness to inspire us to communicate ideas and develop understanding, building bridges between people. AMEN So, the other official languages of the UN are: French, English, Russian Chinese and Spanish
International Migrants Day 
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Jesus, born into a migrant family, help us: |
19/12/2023
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20/12/2023(1 event) International Human Solidarity Day 
Solidarity is one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, whereby those who either suffer or benefit least - deserve help from those who benefit most. Therefore, the UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day. It is:
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Loving God, give us, your one human family, the willingness to join hands not raise fists; and a spirit of adventure as we journey together on the earth we all share. Send us your spirit of hope and determination so that we will work to alleviate human suffering and foster kindness and justice for all. AMEN
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21/12/2023
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22/12/2023
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23/12/2023
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24/12/2023
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25/12/2023(1 event) Christmas Day - the Nativity of the Lord |
26/12/2023(1 event) Boxing Day - the Feast of Saint Stephen |
27/12/2023
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28/12/2023
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29/12/2023
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30/12/2023
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31/12/2023
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