The Catholic tradition is founded on the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ, named the Prince of Peace; Christ is our model of the forgiveness and reconciliation that leads us to partake in his peace. In our society, we see so many acts of verbal and physical violence and revenge, in real life and in TV programs, movies and games. To counter this, Catholic social teaching promotes forgiveness, reconciliation and peacemaking, and our Catholic sisters can be models for our students to understand why Christ called the peacemakers blessed.
Africa has suffered under widespread, and often violent, colonialism, a system that often spread distrust between local tribes and groups as a way to maintain power and to control the resources of the region. This legacy of colonialism has troubled the nations of this continent since their liberation in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Sierra Leone is only one of the nations that has been consumed in violence. (Rwanda is another example.) Catholic sisters have done remarkable work in the challenging process of forgiveness and reconciliation in Africa; they can be models for our students as they learn more about the process of forgiveness.
Designing a forgiveness process
Divide your group into small groups of 2-3 students.
Tell them they are going to create a visual aid for either grade school or high school students to illustrate a short forgiveness and reconciliation process.
Have them discuss and decide what are the most basic steps in the process, for forgiveness and reconciliation — they can refer back to the article about the sisters in Sierra Leone. Students can see examples of such steps at www.catholicmom.com/articles/2016/10/17/forgive-four-simple-steps and/or jerseycatholic.org/how-to-forgive-and-reconcile-after-being-hurt-or-hurtful.
Then, have them draw up (or create online) a visual aid that will help younger students or their peers understand the steps they need to take. Students can draw or find photos online that illustrate each step in their process.
Allow each group to present their visual aid to the entire group.
What are common elements that you see in these visuals?
Are there any unique elements that a group has added?
Why is it necessary to have others understand that forgiveness is a process that can take reflection, prayer and time?
What have you learned about forgiveness and reconciliation by reading what the sisters have done in Sierra Leone, and by reflecting on the steps we must take to authentically forgive in our own lives?
How and where can you share these visuals with other students?
We are grateful, O God, for your call to forgiveness and peace. Open our hearts to this call so we can enjoy the freedom you offer. Guide us through the steps we must take to truly become your peacemakers and be blessed in our struggles to forgive, to accept forgiveness and to be reconciled in your love. Amen.
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