“John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre intervened…”, “John Paul II Centre organised training…”, “John Paul II came to the aid of these people…”.
People in need, whether in the Bidibidi refugee camp in the north of Uganda or on the streets of the country’s capital Kampala, hearing these words perhaps recall the white figure of the Pope calling for a just and therefore more humane world, calling for an end to fratricidal warfare. Probably for some of these people, especially the younger generation, it is also a way to hear the name of the Pope “John Paul II”, and perhaps to learn more about him.
To “open the horizons of hope”
By implementing the social teachings of John Paul II and drawing inspiration for its activities from his legacy, the Centre brings hope and concrete help to many people. In this way, it bears witness to Christ, as John Paul II repeatedly urged the faithful to do. He did so, for example, in a homily delivered at a Mass in Gulu, in the north of Uganda, on 6 February 1993. “What more impressive witness can be given to our Christian belief in the dignity of each human person, than in the concern for the poor, for the sick, and for those who are dying?” – the Pope asked. He added at the time that the openness and hospitality shown to war refugees arriving from civil war-ridden Sudan was also a Christian witness.
It is worth quoting the words he then pronounced to those gathered, indicating that the Church’s commitment to addressing social issues stems from the Good News of the salvation of people. John Paul II said in Gulu:
Christ “is calling you to be his messengers! He is calling you to build up where others have torn down, to be heralds of hope in the face of cynicism and despair, heralds of love in the face of violence of every kind. Today, in Uganda, in Gulu, I appeal to all of you: be messengers of Christ, the Good Shepherd! Let all people see how you love one another, how you cooperate with one another, overcoming divisions in charity and seeking to serve all people, seeing in them the children of God, your brothers, your sisters. For the sake of your children, for the sake of the future God holds in store for Africa, you must be messengers of the light which casts out the darkness (Cf. J 1:5). You must overcome the culture of death by building a civilization of love”.
The work of concrete people
The John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre is an institution co-founded by seven religious congregations: the Combonian Brothers and Sisters, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, the Mill Hill Missionaries, the Missionaries of the Holy Cross, the Jesuits, the Missionaries of Africa. Representatives of these congregations constitute the centre’s Board of Governors (Board). They are Fr Leonard Olobo CSC (chairman), Sr Revokate Kabahuma MSOLA, Fr Tony Wach SJ, Fr Charles Okata MHM, Fr Cyprian Binaka CSC, Fr Lubega Vicent MAfr.
Ten people work at the centre on a daily basis. Alfred Avuni acts as director. Along with him, the staff of the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre consists of Paula Likico, Gaudensia Adaa, Brenda Apoya, Auma Nuluyaati, Innocent Byegarazo, James Omony, John Kwiringira, and two priests Ted Osuala and Robert Ubemu.
Premio San Giovanni Paolo II
This award was established by the John Paul II Vatican Foundation to recognise the achievements of work related to the legacy of John Paul II’s pontificate and to support religious, scientific, cultural and social initiatives inspired by his thought and witness of life. The distinction of the Kampala-based centre is a recognition of the long-standing activities and support for the daily work of the Cenre’s staff mentioned above and the future projects they carry out.
The John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre has been in existence for eighteen years. There have certainly been significant achievements during this period, but also difficulties. It is important to continue this activity with the conviction that it serves human dignity based on justice and peace, it is about a “legacy of goodness”, about building a “civilisation of love” arising from Christian faith.
On the 20th anniversary of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, the Holy Father said to its members and supporters: “Please do not cease in this good work. May it continue to grow. May the joint effort supported by God’s help continue to bear wonderful fruit” (Vatican City, 23 October 2001).
On the occasion of the award, these words should also be addressed to those associated with the Kampala Centre, not only to the board of governers and the staff, but also to the volunteers: “Do not cease in this good work!”
Fr Andrzej Dobrzyński
Fot. John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre