The monthly E-Bulletin contains a two-page list of dates and activities for Catholics and others interested in getting involved in justice and peace issues. We try to produce short, pithy descriptions suitable for cutting and pasting into parish newsletters, but please do let us know if there is any way the information could be improved or better presented – justiceandpeace@rcdow.org.uk

Here is a sample of the Diary Dates to give you an idea of the sort of events that are included:

5 May, 7-9pm: Catholics and the Monarchy in Britain – London Jesuit Centre. 114 Mount Street, London, W1K 3AH.At the coronation of Charles III, join a discussion about the relationship between Catholics and the Monarchy. Dr Aidan Cottrell-Boyce with Mary Kenny, Peter Stamford and Jon Crudas MP. £10 suggested contribution. Book in advance

6 May – 30 July: St Francis of Assisi Exhibition, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. Art and imagery of Saint Francis (1182–1226) from the 13th century to today. Paintings from the National Gallery Collection by Sassetta, Botticelli, and Zurbarán with international loans including works by Caravaggio, Josefa de Óbidos, Stanley Spencer, Antony Gormley, Giuseppe Penone, Andrea Büttner, and a new commission from Richard Long. Saint Francis of Assisi

9 May: Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse – a national day of prayer called by the bishops of England and Wales for those who have been abused in a season of hope and new life. The Isaiah Journey has prepared a range of resources for prayer, action and reflection for use throughout the year, to be launched on the day of prayer. CBCEW Day of Prayer

13 May 10.15am-4.30pm: A Climate Retreat with Ruth Valerio – The Royal Foundation of St. Katharine, 2 Butcher Row, London, E14 8DS. An opportunity to be refreshed and re-envisioned amidst our current climate crisis. Ruth Valerio is an environmentalist, theologian and social activist. Cost £45. Bookings with Eventbrite

13-21 May: Urban Tree Festival – Programme 2023

15 May, 12.45-2.00pm: Southern Dioceses Environment Network – Update on the Guardians of Creation Project. Monthly online meeting for prayer, sharing and networking on the Care of Creation. Attend as a one-off or participate regularly. Southern Dioceses Environment Network

15 May, 12.30-1.30pm: Monthly Prayer Vigil outside the Home Office with Westminster Justice & Peace and London Catholic Worker to pray for migrants seeking safe passage to the UK. Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF. Contact Barbara Kentish for more details please message barbarakentish@talktalk.net

17 May, 11.30am: Westminster Cathedral Interfaith Group – Group visit to the National Gallery to see the St Francis of Assisi exhibition. Free, but please book own tickets in advance. Contact John Woodhouse to let him know if you would like to join in woodhousesopten@btinternet.com

17 May, 2-3.30p.m: Westminster Cathedral Interfaith Group – ‘Who is my neighbour?’ Monthly discussions on Fratelli Tutti, the encyclical on fraternity and social friendship by Pope Francis. Chapter 5 “A better kind of politics” with Sheikh Ramzy from Oxford. Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, SW1 1EN. Contact John Woodhouse woodhousesopten@btinternet.com

24 May: 8th Anniversary of Laudato Si’ – Laudato Si Week 21-28 May

24 May, 6-8.30pm: PACT Harold Hood Lecture – “Is there a Christian answer to the problems of the criminal justice system?” Speaker: Dr Chijioke Nwalozie (Senior Lecturer in Criminology at De Montfort University.) Maria Fidelis Catholic School, Drummond Crescent, London NW1 1LY. Music by Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir. Free. Optional £25 suggested donation towards the support of prisoners and their families, if you can afford it. More details from PACT

We hope you will read or download the full bulletin to find out the rest!