Bishop Gumbleton Delivers Keynote to Pax Christi NJ Assembly

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, in an address to about 150 participants at the Pax Christi New Jersey Assembly, called for Catholics in America to simplify their lives and commit to taking action for justice. Speaking on the theme “We Suffer and Rejoice With our Brothers and Sisters” the Bishop, quoting from St. Basil and referencing the food crisis in Haiti and the disparity in both wealth and consumption between the United States and the rest of the world, stated that those who have more than they need must recognize that they are living unjustly. Bishop Gumbleton made his remarks in an address to the Pax Christi New Jersey Assembly on Saturday, April 19, at St. Patrick’s School in Jersey City. The assembly was co-sponsored by the Haiti Solidarity Network of the Northeast.

The Bishop made reference throughout his talk to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was ratified by member states of the United Nations in 1948, sixty years ago. He spoke of the extraordinary violation of human rights he witnessed as a result of the targeted destruction of infrastructure including water treatment and irrigation systems in Iraq, both presently and in 1991, as well as from the twelve years of sanctions. He also described the dire situation in Haiti and explained the food riots as an example of the biblical “cry of the poor.” Bishop Gumbleton urged Catholics to take action for justice. He stated that “participation in the transformation of the world constitutes living the gospel of Jesus.”

A longtime national and international activist in the peace movement, Bishop Gumbleton is the founding bishop president of Pax Christi USA. He has traveled to over 20 different countries to promote peace and support human rights. The bishop is the recipient of honorary degrees from several Catholic colleges and universities including Seton Hall Law School and he has testified on behalf of Catholic conscientious objectors.

Bishop Gumbleton answered questions from Dajahi Wiley, sophomore of McNair Academic High School, and other members of the audience on a wide range of topics related to human rights.

Bishop Gumbleton was introduced to the assembly by Tonie Malone, co-founder of Pax Christi New Jersey, who also conducted one of four afternoon workshops. Participants attended workshops concerning micro credit, reconciliation, immigration and the Iraqi refugee crisis.

The afternoon plenary was delivered by Juan Carlos Ruiz an immigrant from Mexico and currently the lead organizer for New Sanctuary Movement activities in New York City, who spoke on the prophetic task of the Church dealing with new immigrants to the United States.

Other speakers included Georgette Delinois, president of the Haiti Solidarity Network of the Northeast, Greg Sullivan, executive director of IRATE/First Friends, Sr. Clare Nolan, NGO representative to the UN for the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and Rev. Petero Sabune, protestant pastor for the Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

Students attending St. Patrick’s School who participate in the school’s peace program welcomed the assembly participants by reading poems about peace which they had written.

During the assembly, Rev. Gene Squeo was recognized as the recipient of the 2007 Dorothy Day Peacemaker Award in recognition for his work with the Haiti Solidarity Network of the Northeast and the North Jersey Regional Coalition Immigrant Rights Taskforce.

The morning was brought to a close with everyone joining hands and singing a Haitian solidarity song. The song was lead by Fr. François MacArthur of St. Patrick’s Church.

Several local legislators attended the Mass and reception which ended the day. Jersey City Councilwoman Viola Smith and Councilman Steve Lipski both said a few words in praise of the work of Fr. Squeo. NJ State Assemblyman Harvey Smith presented Fr. Squeo with a commendation in recognition of his dedication to issues of peace and justice.