The CCSJ urges everyone to observe World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) on or around Monday, February 20.

At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 20 as World Day of Social Justice. The day was observed for the first time in 2009. This year WDSJ falls on Carnival Monday.

The UN hopes that WDSJ will “support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all… the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote development and human dignity.”

Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, said in his Message for the 2011 WDSJ: "Social justice is more than an ethical imperative; it is a foundation for national stability and global prosperity. Equal opportunity, solidarity and respect for human rights – these are essential to unlocking the full productive potential of nations and peoples…WDSJ is a call for all countries to take concrete actions that give meaning to the universal values of human dignity and opportunity for all.”

The readings during that weekend lend themselves well to this issue. It is hoped that homilies would include some reference to WDSJ.

Please pray that in our country/world, "justice" will "flow like water, and integrity like an unfailing stream" (Amos 5:24).

Each of us can and must make a difference to transform our communities so that they will reflect Gospel values. Each one of us has a role to play in building God's Kingdom of justice, truth, peace, love and forgiveness.