Augustinians of the Midwest - Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel - Order of St. Augustine

Augustinian Justice and Peace

Responding to Terrorism

Saint Augustine was no stranger to terrorism. In the fifth century, toward the end of Augustine's life, Vandals invaded Africa, causing extensive destruction and great fear.

In the twenty-first century, terrorism in New York City and in Washington, D.C. has deeply affected people in the United States and elsewhere. Public transit systems in London and Madrid have been targets of terrorism. The threat of terrorist attacks is a daily experience in parts of Africa, Latin America, Israel/Palestine and other places.

Our hearts go out to those persons and families who suffer from acts of terrorism anywhere. We pray that God will heal the deep pain that they have experienced.

As our contribution to a Christian response to terrorism and the threat of terrorism, we offer for your consideration the following resources and reflections.

From the Thought of Saint Augustine

» The Twin Towers of Peace and Justice
An Augustinian reflection on eliminating terrorism

» Procuring Peace by Peace
A reflection from Saint Augustine on making peace

From the Leaders of the Catholic Church

From Papal Magesterium

      » Message of Benedict XVI for World Day of Peace 2012 (Opens new window)
             Educating Young People in Justice and Peace

      » Message of Benedict XVI for World Day of Peace 2009 (Opens new window)
             Fighting Poverty to Build Peace

      » Message of Benedict XVI for World Day of Peace 2007 (Opens new window)
             The Human Person, the Heart of Peace

      » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2005 (Opens new window)
             Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

      » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2004 (Opens new window)
             An ever timely commitment: teaching peace

      » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2003 (Opens new window)
             Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) - A Permanent Commitment

      » Message of John Paul II for the World Day for Peace 2002 (Opens new window)
             No peace without justice; no justice without forgiveness

       » Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) (Opens new window)
             Encyclical of Pope John XXIII

       » Choices...So That Humanity Can Have a Future (Opens new window)
             Address of Pope John Pail II to the diplmatic corps (January 13, 2003)
From the Catholic Bishops of the United States

» September 11 (Opens new window)
The Catholic Church remembers (from U.S. Catholic Bishops)

From the United Nations

» U.N. Action against Terrorism (Opens new window)
How the United Nations works to combat the scourge of terrorism

Understanding Islam

Christians seeking peace in today's world will find a basic understanding of Islam to be an invaluable aid.

» Click here for help in understanding Islam