PBMR celebrated its 20th year of service in 2022. The organization is recognized as an innovator in nonviolent conflict resolution, de-escalation of street violence and cycles of retribution, and work with victims, offenders and their neighbors in mending and reintegrating communities.
The organization brings together community members and advocates in working to provide peaceable solutions and healing, especially for youth and young adults, mothers and families, and formerly incarcerated citizens. PBMR's approach focuses on providing radical hospitality, hope and healing that creates safe spaces for persons affected by violence while nurturing healing within their communities.
“Peacemaking, reconciliation, and personal and communal restoration are fundamental to the vision of gospel nonviolence," says Michael L. Budde, chair of the Berrigan-McAlister Award committee and a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. “The slow, patient and demanding work done by everyone associated with the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation happens away from media attention and publicity, helping to address both the causes and consequences of violence in Chicago. It demonstrates the same lifelong commitment to nonviolence and the oppressed lived by Daniel and Philip Berrigan and Elizabeth McAlister."
PBMR will be honored at a hybrid event at 6:30 p.m. on May 10. Admission is free. Advance registration is required for those interested in livestreaming the event and recommended for those attending in person. Leaders and community members associated with PBMR will describe their vision and ministry. The Berrigan-McAlister Award will be presented during the celebration.
About the Berrigan-McAlister Award
Founded in 2021, the Berrigan-McAlister Award is given to a person or organization that exemplifies the practice of active Christian nonviolence. Such nonviolence is rooted in the life of Jesus, who combined the refusal of violence in violent situations with the power of universal love.
From the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War, through the movement against nuclear weapons and beyond, few Catholics in the United States have been more influential than the Berrigan brothers, Daniel and Philip, and Elizabeth McAlister, who married Philip Berrigan and was his lifelong collaborator. Their work against war and in support of peace — a life of provocative nonviolent protest, extensive writing and teaching, and everyday experiments in intentional community — has earned them international stature in the Church and secular society.
Russell Dorn is a manager of news and integrated content in University Marketing and Communications.
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Media contact:
Russell Dorn
rdorn@depaul.edu
(312) 362-7128