Jessica Bowen, Promoter of Justice, Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids
Join us for “Thirsting for Peace in Mexico” on Monday, November 30, from 10:15 to 11:15 am in Marywood’s Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Drive in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
During this study and prayer event, we will explore the humanitarian injustices that confront the people of Mexico. Presenters from Aquinas College, Dr. Roger Durham, Professor of Political Science, and Alexa Perez, student of Political Science and International Studies will introduce this nation in crisis and some contributing factors including organized crime, widespread violence, and human trafficking.
In Mexico, more than 135,000 people are listed as missing or disappeared. Violence against women and children and threats to Indigenous lands and communities are among the threats that often lead to forced migration.
Amid these challenges, individuals and communities continue working for truth, justice, human dignity, and peace.
The program will close with reflections on the Dominican Family’s presence in Mexico and ways we can support their ministries and efforts for peace. All are welcome to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with our Dominican sisters and brothers in Mexico.
What is the Dominican Month of Peace
Each year, from the first Sunday of Advent until the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Dominican Family of vowed religious and associates celebrate the Dominican Month for Peace: a time of prayer and commitment focused on a country in the world facing situations of conflict.
In recent years, the Dominican Month for Peace has focused on different realities: Cameroon (2025), Haiti (2024), the Amazon (2023), Myanmar (2022), Venezuela (2021), Ukraine (2020), India (2019), the Democratic Republic of Congo (2018), and Colombia (2017).
“‘In the name of human dignity and international law, I repeat to those responsible what Pope Francis used to say: ‘War is always a defeat!’ And with Pius XII, ‘Nothing is lost with peace. Everything can be lost with war’” (General Audience, St. Peter’s Square, June 18, 2025).
Pope Leo XIV
