Mags GarganFr Patrick Devine SMA, a missionary priest originally from Co. Roscommon and based in Kenya, described his work in conflict resolution and reconciliation to the Knock Novena on Monday.
Fr Devine has spent over 20 years in Eastern Africa and he set up the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation in 2009. It uses an innovative approach of inter-ethnic education, peace building skills and problem solving workshops to plant the seeds of peace, and last year Fr Devine was presented with the 2013 International Caring Award in Washington DC, which recognised his work for creating enduring peace settlements in Kenya.
“We look at issues of power, injustices in society, relationships, and the failure to positively use all the resources and potentials in our circumstances of life to promote peace and social progress,” Fr Devine explained.
“All of us can do so much more. We are constantly called to examine our lives vis a vis the Christian vocation. The danger of being lukewarm is ever before us.”
Reconciliation
Fr Devine said the Gospels and the message of Christ can be summed up as one of reconciliation, and in their work in Shalom they address four key issues to bring about reconciliation: peace, truth, justice and mercy.
“It is about acknowledging the past, reframing the present and envisioning our future together,” he said. “The results are seen in the acceptance of Shalom among the warring communities, their acceptance of the message of reconciliation and the methodology to bring about peace. They become the architects of their own future from the ground up. We enable people to grow, to enjoy the peace that we often take for granted.”
Companionship
Fr Devine said he would like to dedicate the work of Shalom to the Trinity and the companionship of Mary, saying “Our lady has transformed the world through her faith, courage, care and companionship with us, and she has guided Shalom to where it is today”.