Members of Tota Pulchra’s Observatory of Peace met in December to conclude a year marked by intense work, and to brainstorm new ways to expand the association’s growth in 2024.
Monsignor Jean-Marie Gervais, president of the Association, announced the leadership of the observatory, designating Gabriele La Spina and Matthew Santucci as vice-directors of the nascent body for 2024. During the presentation of the certificates, Monsignor Gervais highlighted the important role the Observatory can play in the world today, reminding the newly elect of their responsibility and asking them “to be faithful to the spiritual aims of the association: the Via Pulchritudinis of which peace is an integral element.”
The association of Tota Pulchra was established on May 8, 2016 by Monsignor Gervais for the promotion of social action through the fine arts and culture. Membership is comprised of artists, writers, and creatives, giving them a platform to express and showcase their craft to a larger global audience. The association also organizes and hosts a wide range of events, seeking to build cohesive social and professional bonds in collaboration with other associations, cultural centers, both in Italy and abroad.
In 2023 Monsignor Gervais established the subsidiary body of the Observatory of Peace to help expand the mission of Tota Pulchra. Built on the idea that genuine consensus and lasting peace stems from a mutual understanding, the observatory promotes a spirit of dialogue and debate; this foundational principle is underscored by a mission of service. In this way, the Observatory works to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of today’s most pressing political, social, and cultural issues.
With an emphasis on international relations, geopolitics, security issues, and crisis resolution, the Observatory of Peace utilizes traditional tools and methodologies, but is cautious to avoid conventional logic that often defines contemporary IR. Instead, its members place the human being at the center, realizing that art, beauty, and culture are valuable tools of soft power to promote peace and are in fact necessary for the flourishing of the human person and for the betterment of society.
For additional information on the association, upcoming events and to inquire about membership, can be found at the association’s website https://totapulchra.org
Matthew Santucci
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