Fr. Tom's Talk: The Courage to Dream​

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any." Alice Walker

Vision reflects the hope of a people, especially in difficult times. If I can envision peace in my
life as it is, I discover the wonder of my heart, mind, and soul. When others would be my
enemy, and I see and envision them as my friends, I begin to imagine what no nightmare of
oppression would ever permit. I need no one’s permission to be myself. I am made in the
image of peace. Peace is in my soul. I need only release my peace as I claim my imagination
to work for a World where no one fears to make their dreams a reality.

"In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings,
we pay ourselves the highest tribute."
Thurgood Marshall
First African American U.S. Supreme Court member

 

Tom's Workshop: The Seven Stages of Vision-Making

Vision as imagination:

• What do I truly believe?

• Call to mind a past encounter, person or event that expanded your worldview deeply (for better or worse)

• Claim your dignity and self-respect

• As you look out into thee world, what breaks your heart?

• What vision emerges from your broken-heartedness?

• What principles flow from your vision?

• Commit yourself to your principles in all the affairs of your life

 

Thomas P. Bonacci C.P. is the Interfaith Peace Project’s Executive Director.  Tom offers friendly and hospitable programs to help participants cope with inherited stereotypes, innocent misunderstandings, embarrassing questions or general knowledge of the many faith traditions of humankind.  Tom was ordained in 1972 for the Passionist Religious Order of the Roman Catholic Church, and is recognized for his scriptural scholarship.

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One of Tom’s dreams is The Intrafaith Project , involving conversations, projects and experiments exploring the reality and possibility for the practice and study of interfaith spirituality.

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“A man of vision, Tom’s programs are less about learning of differences and similarities in religions, and more about understanding, respecting and connecting to all humankind.”

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George D’Angelo, Ph.D., Founder, UN International Day of Peace Vigil.

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