Rome (Italy). The first issue of the magazine Da Mihi Animas (DMA) of the year 2024 is published, which deals with Peace as its basic theme, articulated thus in the publications of the year: 1. Listening to peace; 2. Dialogue, condition of peace; 3. Witnessing to peace; 4. Education, way of peace.
Sister Maria Ausilia De Siena, Councilor for Communication of the FMA Institute, in the editorial of the 1st issue – Listening to Peace – expresses the reflections that introduce this theme, so felt and urgent in the current world context:
Does peace exist? What is it? How is it achieved? One thing is certain; the history of humanity is marked throughout its course by situations of conflict… And so, peace is an ever-present desire that seems unattainable. We need a common horizon that unifies our disparate and often conflicting ideas of peace. Beyond religion, political ideology, and other divisive factors, it is important to converge our energies of mind and heart, personal and collective, in a patient and constant learning how to live together because peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but a commitment to the common good, for a justice that starts from the consideration of the poorest.
Peace is a dynamic process that does not allow pauses. It is a goal that moves forward and needs a continuous focus. Deepening the meaning of peace and the related issues that challenge our educational mission is the goal of this magazine for the current year. We educate to peace only if we first find it in ourselves; if we rediscover the value of silence, of listening to the Word of God because peace is God’s dream for humanity.
“That is why,” Sr. Ausilia explains introducing a novelty this year, ”in each issue of the magazine will be inserted a short comment of the Word of God at the conclusion of the Dossier that, written by authoritative pens, introduces the different themes thus articulated in the publications of the year:
Educating to peace means drawing on the countless and always current resources of the Preventive System, rediscovering the value of being a ‘presence’ in the style of Salesian assistance that enables us to ‘take care’ of the new generations and to build together more human and hopeful relationships.
True peace promotes a culture of encounter that presupposes recognition of the other, education in emotions, non-hostile communication, healthy conflict management, and inclusion. The awareness and internalization of the true values of life are fundamental to be proactive, to be able to take clear positions with a critical sense.
Peace does not coincide with quiet living but often needs determination, energy, the strength to be alternative in a world that follows individual interests at the expense of the common good. Let us learn to listen to the authoritative voice of so many witnesses of peace who through their lives have marked history. Let us also discover the silent witnesses who, in the ordinariness of their lives, are a hidden leaven, capable of fermenting a culture of peace in daily self-giving.”
In view of the three years of preparation for the 150th anniversary of the first missionary expedition of 14 November 1877, we want to give voice, through the Interview rubric and/or Experience, “to many people who have left their land and are happy to evangelize other contexts, to face difficulties with ease and commitment.”
Moreover, from this issue of the magazine, the new section, “The path of the Church”, will allow us to deepen synodality and integral ecology, according to the guidelines of GC XXIV.
This year’s issues, like those of previous years, can be consulted online on the website www.rivistadma.org
Enjoy your reading!
