Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr.
Wikipedia

by Paula Gail Benson

This year is the 40^th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which recognizes Dr. King’s leadership in advocating for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983. It was first observed on January 20, 1986. King’s actual birthday was January 15. Due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the celebration occurs on the Monday closest to the actual date, meaning it has been as designated as early as January 15 and as late as January 21. For the next three years, it will be on January 19, 18, and 17.

Walk for Peace

by Paula Gail Benson

In October 2025, approximately two dozen Buddhist monks initiated a Walk for Peace through ten states from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.

A dog named Aloka, meaning “light,” accompanies them. Folks watch them pass, and the monks stop to greet people.

While still in Texas, two monks were injured in a vehicular accident. One’s wounds were not severe, but the group’s leader decided to have his leg amputated to begin healing rather than face lengthy surgeries. The monks determined to continue walking.

One monk said, “suffering is part of life, but so is compassion, resilience, and the path forward.”

La Befana

by Paula Gail Benson

This year, I learned the story of La Befana, an Italian elderly woman, who greeted and gave directions to the Wise Men, but completed her housework instead of accompanying them to Bethlehem. After reconsidering, she tried to find them, carrying gifts for the Christ child. Each year, she continues to search, leaving sweets for good children and coal or onions or candy coal for bad ones (in their socks or shoes). She rides on her broom and sweeps away the refuse of the old year. Instead of milk, people leave her wine and cakes or cookies made of alcoholic beverages.