Events

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Annual Events

Good Friday Way of the Cross
PCMNY is probably best known for its Good Friday Way of the Cross, which was its founding event. Commemorating Jesus’ suffering in His own life and in the lives of people throughout the world today, hundreds process together, praying for change in ourselves and a society marred by such sins as poverty, racism, bullying and gun violence, human trafficking and war.  Concluding with a 15th Station, we are reminded that we are a Resurrection people in a Good Friday world. For CBS News coverage of the 2015 Good Friday event, please click here.

Peacemaker Awards Reception
Each year PCMNY honors peacemakers, some known nationally, some known locally, and some known mostly within the Pax Christi community, but all doing noteworthy work to make the world a more peaceful and just place for all of us to live. We honor these exemplary people at a reception that is a true celebration of them and the peace community that supports them.

40-Day Fast for Christian Nonviolence
Pax Christi Metro New York joins others around the country in an annual fast for Christian Nonviolence. This fast is an opportunity to remember, repent, and resolve to transform our culture of violence, whether the violence of the street or the violence of war, drones, and nuclear weapons proliferation. It begins each July 1st and ends on August 9th, the tragic triple anniversaries of the executions of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Jewish convert to Catholicism and holocaust victim; Blessed Franz Jaegerstaetter, martyr for refusing to serve in Hitler’s army; and the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, the largest Christian community in Japan. PCMNY frames it with opening and end prayers made available for you to pray alone or in community. For more information about the fast, contact the PCMNY office: info@nypaxchristi.org or, when the Fast approaches simply sign up as an individual or group to fast a day, a week, or longer between July 1st and August 9th to end the horror of nuclear weapons proliferation and all forms of violence.

Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial
Each year PCMNY offers this commemorative event to mourn and repent for the horrific loss of life caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, 1945 and to advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons today. Now, we can add Fukushima to the list of Japanese cities devastated by nuclear tragedy. The Memorial consists of a presentation with discussion and concludes with a silent procession and public vigil. For some historical context about the bombings, see PCMNY member Marian Ronan’s article.

Summer Picnic
PCMNY’s annual pot-luck picnic in Central Park, in view of the majestic Metropolitan Museum of Art, has become a refreshing tradition that brings together members and friends in a spirit of invaluable camaraderie. A delicious assortment of foods and great conversation are the order of the day.

UN International Peace Day
The UN International Peace Day has been held on September 21st  for decades now, but so many people still aren’t familiar with it; yet, it’s such an important day.  Not only is it a day for the United Nations to renew its dedication to the pursuit of peace; it is also a Day of Ceasefire, both personally and politically. PCMNY observes this day with a special event that incorporates prayer and presentation, whether a speaker or film, along with time for discussion.

Fall Assembly
Pax Christi Metro New York’s annual Fall Assembly offers an opportunity for reflection on PCMNY’s very identity as a peace community. We pray together, share our stories, and lend each other support. We also feature a reputable speaker to educate and inspire us on a theme taken from a current event or social concern.

Human Rights Day/Holy Innocents
Each year, Pax Christi Metro New York remembers victims of violence, especially children, in honor of Human Rights Day and the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The focus of the event is a prayer service. It may also include speakers or a video on a relevant topic like human trafficking or incarceration.

Peacemaking Through the Arts
For several years now, PCMNY has been promoting our mission with the help of the performing arts. We host a concert or play with a message of peace and social justice. We do this because we believe we all have both the desire and need for peace and justice, rooted in God. The arts are an effective way to reach into our souls and inspire us to fulfill those desires and needs for ourselves and others in a way different from any other. Click here for this year’s highlights from the Peacemaking Through the Arts: Odyssey Project 2021.

Ash Wednesday Leafleting
Our tradition on Ash Wednesday is to offer a Lenten Reflection to the faithful outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Annual Retreat
Each year PCMNY organizes a weekend retreat, usually during Lent, facilitated by a noted spiritual leader to challenge and nurture participants in their commitment to Christian nonviolence.