Note from the Editor

Dear Reader,

Are you a peacekeeper or a peacemaker? 

At the United Nations, we often hear the term "peacekeeper". But in this issue, we turn to a deeper call: Blessed are the peacemakers. In the sacred Scriptures, peace isn’t just the absence of conflict and maintaining a kind of false calm. It actually means wholeness and integration achieved through the work of justice and charity. This, coupled with the word "maker", reminds us that peace is not passive, but active.  

Think of marriage: sometimes what looks like peace is really just silence or a false peace where there is no real love or communication. I recently came across a practical relationship tool for married couples called the 2-2-2 Rule: a date night every two weeks, an overnight getaway every two months, and a real vacation every two years. If this is what it takes to nurture just one marriage, how much more must we invest to build peace in our communities, our nations, and our world?

Real peace demands active effort. It’s not a “kumbaya” moment of passive harmony. Even Jesus, when He overturned the tables in the temple, was passionately confronting injustice to restore true peace in Jerusalem, a peace grounded in justice and charity, not superficial appearances.

As we journey through July, the Church invites us to celebrate the feast days of two young saints: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Maria Goretti. Both show us what it means to be proactive peacemakers. Both worked, suffered, and labored for peace in their own hearts and communities. Their lives remind us that, like Jesus, who “made peace by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20), true peace often comes with a cost.

May this issue inspire us to seek that real peace, in our homes and relationships, in our world, in our workplaces and in our hearts.

In faith and fellowship,

Dr. Esther Tan
Editor, Catholic Reflexions Magazine

Interview with A Catholic: Dr. Esther Tan

Each month, we have an intimate chat with a practicing Catholic. We discuss why they believe what they believe, the difference Christ has made in their lives, and any lessons learned from their faith journey. For this month, we feature DR. ESTHER TAN, who currently serves as acting Medical Director of the United Nations Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH), overseeing global health governance, occupational and public health services, clinical care, and crisis response systems supporting UN personnel worldwide.

What does being a peacemaker mean to you, and how do you strive to foster peace in your daily life?

To me, being a peacemaker begins first in my heart. Daily, I strive to make peace with God, through prayer and often, in silent communion with Him. I also focus on harmonizing and creating peace between the fragmented parts of my internal self. Sin causes these kinds of fragments, and internal repair is often needed. After that, I look at how I can bring peace either to others, or between others. In general, I think being a peacemaker means that I try to be more like Christ everyday in my thoughts, words, and deeds, towards myself and towards others.

Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how your Catholic faith has played a role in your life?

I grew up in Singapore in a 3rd-generation Protestant family. My parents ran a Christian bookstore, and faith and prayer for us was woven throughout our meals, decision-making and lives. In my 20s however, I was exposed to Catholicism and the Holy Spirit led me to question the faith of my childhood. Through studying the history of the Church, theology and the writings of the early Church fathers, and the writings of converts such as Scott Hahn and Cardinal Newman, I began the long journey "home". I am proud to be the first Catholic in my lineage! The faith is deeply important to me and provides an anchor and foundation for all of my life.

How do you think your Catholic values have impacted your work and interactions with colleagues?

My Catholic values shape how I lead and how I serve others at the UN. In the high-pressure environment of medical and health work, it's sometimes easy to slip into a purely technical or transactional mode. But I try my best to see the human dignity behind everything I do, and try to remember that at the end of the day, we serve the Lord in everything we do. Colossians 3:23 guides me daily: "In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master."

Are there any particular saints, prayers, or devotions that inspire you or that you feel a strong connection to?

I feel a strong connection to St. Teresa of Avila because I always felt that she was a woman of great paradoxes. She was holy yet so human, prayerful yet so productive, strict yet so humorous, detached from worldly things yet so passionate about loving God and others - she held nothing back! I'm also so inspired daily by her productivity and time management skills - how did she manage to accomplish so much in so short a time?

Another saint that I feel deeply inspired by is St Mary Magdalene, a disciple who was an intimate friend of Jesus. She loved much because she was forgiven much. Her story reminds me that my past is never too broken, my wounds are not too deep, my sins not too dark for the mercy of Christ. She reminds me never to judge others, but to always give others and myself the benefit of doubt. Above all, she reminds me that intimate love and friendship with Christ is the basis of our faith.

What advice would you give to fellow Catholics striving to integrate their faith into their professional lives?

I often tell people that I'm "mission-driven", meaning that I work for purpose and not just for the salary, that I'm motivated by a higher goal, advancing human dignity, making systems better for us all, serving others through my God-given skills and talents, contributing to the common good. I'm not here merely to climb the career ladder, or pad my resume or chase worldly status. By doing this, "what I do" is connected with "who I am".

So in a similar vein, I would advise fellow Catholics the following: Firstly, try your best not to compartmentalize your life into separate parts. Bring your whole self into the workplace, and vice versa. Secondly, be fully prepared that the road ahead won't be easy if you do that. Yet, we still have to leave the outcome to Him in faith. He will always be faithful and will help us if we put our trust in Him in all circumstances. Thirdly, pay attention to the poor, the weak, the sick, the suffering, and those in need. Those are whom God wants us to serve, wherever we are. Fourthly, pray always, without ceasing, every hour, every minute - God is always near. You don't even need words to pray. Just offering up the wordless desires of your heart to Him is sufficient!

Speaker Notes: Faith and Life: A Talk by Fr. Gerald Murray

Each month, we summarize a talk previously presented to our members.

On 27 May 2020, Fr. Gerald Murray, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and a frequent commentator on religious and public life, gave a talk titled Faith and Life: Serving God with Our Work for the UN Catholic Club. In this talk, Fr. Murray reflected on how Catholics can bring their faith into daily professional life and serve God in and through their work.

He began by referencing the Great Commission in the Gospel of Matthew, reminding listeners that while laypeople are not called to baptize in the ordinary sense, they are called to live as witnesses of Christ in the world—especially in the workplace. Fr. Murray emphasized that Catholics are to evangelize not with sermons, but through charity, humility, and daily acts of love, respect, and responsibility.

The heart of his message centered on the virtue of self-control, which he drew from the book Virtues Work by Alexander Cummings. Fr. Murray described self-control as a key Christian virtue that enables individuals to moderate impulses, desires, and emotions through reason and will. He noted that impulsive, undependable, and irresponsible behavior undermines both personal sanctity and professional effectiveness, while self-mastery fosters maturity, leadership, and credibility.

He encouraged participants to begin each workday with a simple prayer—asking Christ to help them do His will—and to remember that Jesus is always with them. Through practicing self-control, especially in moments of frustration or temptation, Catholics can reflect God’s love to their colleagues and demonstrate integrity even in challenging circumstances.

Fr. Murray concluded by reminding the audience that people are drawn to goodness, and that a life of virtue—especially when rooted in faith—can deeply influence others. Even small, unseen acts of love and self-discipline can serve as powerful witnesses to Christ’s presence in the world.

The full talk is available here.

Workplace Tips: How to Take Better Breaks at Work

Each month, we offer advice and tips for being effective in our workplaces. Drawing from global best practices and personal experiences, we share insights for your use.

by Zhanna Lyubykh and Duygu Biricik Gulseren

Why Breaks Improve Productivity

• Breaks recharge the mind and body, preventing exhaustion and boosting efficiency.

• Working nonstop leads to mistakes, decreased focus, and burnout.

What Makes a Break Effective?

• Timing: Short breaks improve morning focus; longer breaks help in the afternoon.

• Location: Outdoor breaks are more restorative than staying at a desk.

• Activity: Walking and stretching boost well-being, while social media increases fatigue.

• Pet Interactions: Time with animals reduces stress and improves mental health.

How Managers Can Encourage Breaks

• Promote break benefits through wellness programs.

• Lead by example—take breaks to normalize the practice.

• Offer flexible break times to improve productivity.

• Provide green spaces, pet-friendly areas, and quiet rooms.

• Support remote employees with virtual walk meetings and break budgets.

Remember!

• Breaks aren’t a loss of productivity—they enhance it.

Original article is available here.

Spiritual Life Tips: Integrating Catholic Social Teaching in the Workplace

Each month, we offer practical advice and tips related to our Catholic faith and spirituality.

by Mindy Edgington

Integrating Catholic Social Teaching (CST) at work means aligning faith with daily actions rather than separating spirituality from professional life. The seven tenets of CST—such as protecting human dignity, supporting the poor, ensuring fair work conditions, and caring for creation—guide ethical decision-making.

Ways to Apply CST in the Workplace:

• Work for Ethical Companies – Choose employers that respect human dignity.

• Foster Workplace Community – Participate in team events and charitable activities.

• Support Colleagues’ Life Events – Celebrate milestones and offer comfort in hardships.

• Share Skills & Mentor Others – Help coworkers grow professionally and personally.

• Empower & Acknowledge Team Members – Give credit, cross-train, and promote fairness.

• Be a Friend & Pray for Coworkers – Offer spiritual and emotional support.

Faith isn’t meant to be set aside at work—it’s a witness to God’s love every day. If full integration isn’t possible, trust that God will lead the way.

Original article is available here.

For inquiries, or potential contributions to the magazine, please contact unitednationscatholicclub@outlook.com