I want to share the message of the Secretary General of the United Nations, who, as the year began, issued a global RED ALERT.

“On New Year’s Day 2018 I am not issuing an appeal, I am issuing an alert — a red alert for our world,” said Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.  In the midst of challenges such as conflict, climate change, inequalities, and human rights violations, he called the world to, “Narrow the gaps, bridge the divides, renew trust by bringing people together around common goals.  Unity is the path,” he said.  “Our future depends on it.”

As I listened to the Secretary General, I became so keenly aware of material published at the end of 2017 by IRIN, a news source which has a mission of delivering independent reporting from the frontlines of crises to inspire and produce a more effective humanitarian response.  IRIN’s article, entitled, “Ten humanitarian crises to look out for in 2018,” struck me because it gets at the heart of human suffering and the demands which face each of us individually and collectively if we are to respond as true Vincentians.

The following is lengthy, but well worth your attention.   May we all take steps to heed Mr. Guterres’ red alert, the call of Pope Frances, and our Vincentian Family, who over the years have courageously confronted the crises of their time.