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80th Anniversary of Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
When: Hiroshima: August 6th, Nagasaki: August 9th
(The image above and caption below are from our August 6th Social Media post. Follow us at Facebook and Instagram.)
The year 2025 marks 80 years since the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings killed between 150,000-246,000 people. While this remains the only use of nuclear weapons in armed conflict today, it set a precedent of countries arming themselves with nuclear weapons, all of which could cause massive destruction.
Prayer: Pray and reflect on this passage of Gaudium et Spes 81: “Whatever be the facts about this method of deterrence, men should be convinced that the arms race in which an already considerable number of countries are engaged is not a safe way to preserve a steady peace, nor is the so-called balance resulting from this race a sure and authentic peace. Rather than being eliminated thereby, the causes of war are in danger of being gradually aggravated. While extravagant sums are being spent for the furnishing of ever new weapons, an adequate remedy cannot be provided for the multiple miseries afflicting the whole modern world. … The arms race is an utterly treacherous trap for humanity, and one which ensnares the poor to an intolerable degree.”
Action: Some people may feel called to action by peacefully demonstrating at nuclear facilities or contacting their representatives to make their voices heard. Learn about advocacy opportunities at www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/advocacy.
Almsgiving: Pax Christi USA advocates for non-violence practices and promoting peaceful resolutions. For the 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they will be hosting webinars and prayer opportunities to promote remembrance and embracing peace moving forward. You can learn how to support them at https://paxchristiusa.org/donate-home/
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