“A SPOON FOR PEACE”

For several days in Lugo (in the Galicia region of Spain), during the Manos Unidas campaign whose slogan was “Declare War on Hunger,” I experienced a profound sense of faith and commitment by sharing encounters in schools, at the major seminary, during celebrations, and at times of prayer. These moments were particularly moving, especially with the children, who were generous in their acts of sharing and in their support for the most vulnerable. I also had the opportunity to speak with the media outlets Radio Cope, with magazines, and on social media, and to participate in a roundtable discussion alongside Bishop Alfonso Carrasco Rouco, whose simplicity and approachability left a lasting impression.

The campaign invites us to confront a painful reality: the lack of food that affects millions of people, especially in the poorest countries. Faced with a world filled with the “drums of war”—of weapons, ideologies, economics, and social agendas—we are offered another battle: a silent fight against all that threatens life and human dignity. The image of the spoon thus becomes the symbol of this response, a simple instrument capable of nurturing peace.

The true fight is not waged with weapons, but with resources, solidarity, and generosity. Hunger, poverty, and inequality are not only consequences of violence, they are also its causes. Fighting them is building peace. There can be no peace without social justice, education, stable institutions, sustainable development, and a more equitable distribution of wealth. Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of rights, opportunities, and dignity for all. Manos Unidas embraces this vision as the horizon of its mission. Through Development Education and educational, food, and human development projects, including in conflict zones, the organization works for a positive peace based on justice and reconciliation. This experience has reinforced my conviction that only by confronting the root causes of hunger and poverty can we build a future of hope. Peace is possible, but it requires a collective effort and a resolute commitment from everyone.

How can we avoid the war of hunger? Words? Gestures? Looks? Indifference? Dehumanization? Contempt? Hatred? etc.…

“Peace is not merely the absence of weapons.”

Sister Silatchom Marie Claire