Submitted by Saint Martin’s University
The Benedictine Institute will welcome back recognized peace advocate, author and educator Ken Butigan, Ph.D., HS’72, to present a day-long workshop on nonviolent, transformative change Saturday, April 5, in Cebula Hall at Saint Martin’s University, 5000 Abbey Way SE.
Butigan’s presentation,“Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Activating the Power of Nonviolent Change to Transform Our Lives and Our World,” will take place 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The workshop is free and open to the public; those planning to attend are asked to register for the event online.
Rooted in the spirituality and practice of Jesus, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., the workshop will provide a venue to explore:
- The power of nonviolent options
- Concrete tools for transforming conflict and violence
- Practices for living more peaceful, just and meaningful lives
- Ways that the vision, principles and methods of creative nonviolence can become an integral dimension of our lives, our society, our religious communities and Saint Martin’s University
Butigan, who once directed the Spiritual Life Institute at Saint Martin’s, is the executive director of Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service, a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by the Franciscan Friars of California.
“Pace e Bene” (meaning “peace and all good”) is a phrase St. Francis of Assisi used as a greeting in his time. In this spirit, Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service’s mission is to foster peace, justice and dignity for all by building the capacity of individuals, religious communities, organizations and social movements to cultivate nonviolent change through nonviolence education, resources and action. Pace e Bene’s unique approach has been transforming lives around the globe. Since its founding, more than 30,000 people have participated in Pace e Bene workshops to develop skills and tools for strengthening relationships and society.
Butigan previously visited Saint Martin’s as the spring 2014 distinguished speaker for the second Benedictine Institute Lecture. This new lecture series provides a forum for the discussion of faith-related issues.
