Archbishop: we must work for peace, not enough to wish and pray for it

ST LUCIA

Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries has called on all sectors of St Lucian society to take responsibility for building peace, emphasising that lasting freedom requires “vigilance, personal sacrifice, and collective responsibility.”

“Each of us—parents, clergy, public officials, business leaders, or citizens—must take our share of responsibility for the shaping a more peaceful St Lucia,” the Archbishop said, framing peace as both a national and personal commitment.

In a YouTube address, the Archbishop acknowledged that violence and crime remain pressing challenges across the island. He highlighted the role of family, education, and the Church in addressing the root causes of unrest. “Every child has a deep need to be affirmed into life, to hear words of love, encouragement, and acceptance. When this affirmation is missing, frustration and resentment take root.”

He observed, “Many young people turn to gangs and antisocial behaviours, not because they’re inherently violent, but because they are searching for belonging, for validation,”.

Archbishop Malzaire stressed that peace must be actively cultivated. “It is not enough to wish for peace or pray for peace. We must also work for peace. Saying yes to a peaceful St Lucia means putting our shoulders to the wheel, engaging every level of society, and accepting that each of us has a role to play.”

He noted that schools play a critical role in shaping values and character alongside academics. “If school teaches only information and not values, we produce clever minds but not necessarily good people. Our education system must promote moral reasoning, empathy, and self-discipline alongside academic excellence,” Archbishop Malzaire said.

The Archbishop highlighted that peaceful schools create peaceful citizens and the Church and religion guiding the moral compass.

“The Church and other religious communities play an indispensable role in shaping the moral and spiritual conscience of our nation. Religion reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of war or violence. It is the presence of justice, forgiveness and love. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers,” Archbishop Malzaire underscored.

He said that the Church must continue to advocate for social justice, for the dignity of every person, and for the policies that protect the poor and vulnerable.

“At the same time, it must form consciences, helping young people understand that peace begins within. Through reconciliation with God and with neighbour through its schools, catechesis and social outreach, the Church can foster a culture of peace rooted in faith, forgiveness and hope,” the Archbishop said.

He also called on government, law enforcement, and the business community to contribute to a culture of stability. “Peace cannot thrive in a climate of corruption or discrimination, or social inequality. Citizens lose faith in the system when laws are selectively applied or when justice seems out of reach,” he said.

He encouraged businesses to invest in people, create jobs, support education, and promote ethical practices as part of nation-building.

Archbishop Malzaire further warned against a “culture of convenience” that undermines discipline and personal responsibility. “Peace is rooted in discipline and sacrifice. Freedom itself comes at a cost. Every citizen must learn that lasting happiness and harmony require effort, restraint, and commitment to the common good.”

He concluded with a message of hope: “If we begin now by restoring the family, renewing education, affirming the young, strengthening justice, and promoting compassion, our next generation will have a fighting chance. Peace is not an impossible dream. It is a promise that God has placed in our hands. But it will only be realised if we believe in it enough to work for it.”