Teacher of Peace Award, August 5, 2005
Presentation to Monsignor Ray East
(Page 3 of 3)
It is in the midst of that violence and desperation of our urban neighborhoods, and in standing up to the spiral of violence engulfing our globe, where Fr. Ray East says "enough" and strives to be a peacemaker. For him, it is both in the larger struggle for justice and peace in this world, and it is in the relationships he encounters daily.
He IS a voice for the voiceless. His voice comes from a deep spirituality and centeredness in Christ, and also from a heart that lets itself draw close to human suffering. Like Rachel in Ramah, he knows the weeping from "children who are no more." He listens and kisses the wounds of his people, of all people--into something that transforms.
You almost never see him alone. People are always hovering around him, Like the Gospel story of the hemorrhaging woman reaching to touch the cloak of Jesus, many reach to touch this good man…this strong and gentle Christ figure in our midst. For Pax Christi, we like them, reach to touch the cloak and feel the power that emanates.
Msgr. East, Father East, Pax Christi USA does not come here tonight with any special authority to bestow some "teacher of peace award." All we come with is a humble posture to seek and find the teachers of peace we most want to emulate. And we want to find the ways to emulate you. Thank you for your willingness to walk with Pax Christi and teach us what it means to truly be a Teacher of Peace.
Return to start of article
to top of page |
