Spreading Peace (From Isle of Wight County Press, Friday, March 16, 2018, p52)
Michael Douse and John Morley (both Catenians) flank Fr Odoemene
An island priest is visiting schools to spread the word of peace. Fr Emmanuel Odoemene, parish priest for St Thomas of Canterbury, Newport, and St Saviour’s, Totland, has set up the Peace World, a tool for school evangelisation.
He said: “I have already started visiting a variety of secondary and primary Catholic, Church of England and non-denominational schools.
“I have produced a booklet, which covers 20 topics. It is a platform for learning about justice and peace issues, aimed at raising the aspirations of young people to engage with the world around them and, hopefully make a difference.
“The sessions last for around 25 minutes and the children are given the opportunity to ask questions.
“There are also activities they can take part in with the help of their teachers.”
The pupils are encouraged to do a range of tasks, such as writing a poem about peace, raising awareness about important global issues, planting and tending a community, school or Church garden and planning ahead to celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21.
Fr Odoemene said: “When I look through the eyes of the children in the classroom, I think of the abounding opportunities for our Peace World.”
Fr Odoemene was also invited to address the Island’s Catenians and talk to them about the Peace World.
The Catenians is an association of Catholic laymen who are committed to their faith, their families, to those in need and each other.
