Our newest film, “The Smile of a Sick Child”, is completed and ready for delivery to your mailbox! You can order online with ease through Paypal too! Check it out!
Here’s the link for our new website page:
https://paxetbonumcomm.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/smile-of-a-sick-child/
Dear Friends of Pax et Bonum Communications,
I wish each of you a joyful celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and remind you of what he said to his first followers: “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home any who have lost their way.” In our humble way, Pax et Bonum Communications continues, by God’s grace, to serve the poor through the power of film, and we strive to do this in the Spirit of St. Francis.
I invite you to pause today to watch the first nine minutes of a film we are making about St. Francis’ love of the silence and stillness needed to enter more fully into a relationship with God. This is currently an ‘unlisted’ posting on YouTube.
Peace and blessings,
Gerry
PS: We are also currently working on a film featuring a Secular Franciscan who is a doctor from America who cares for 50 desperately ill and handicapped kids in Peru. We finished filming in August and are currently editing the film.
| The Stillness of St.Francis 8:58 | |
| To view scenes from our other films visit Pax et Bonum’s channel on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/PeBcomm?feature=mhee (4 videos) |
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A new article has been written about Gerry’s presentations in Elmira, New York during November, 2012! Here’s a link to the writeup! Please let us know what you think of it!
http://www.catholiccourier.com/regional-life/
chemungschuyler/news/filmmaker-focuses-on-worlds-poorest/
Mission Statement: Our mission is to produce compelling films that foster compassion for the homeless, hungry and oppressed while inspiring a genuine and respectful community among all people.
Vision Statement: Our vision is of a world where children no longer hunger, families enjoy safe shelter, wealthy countries and people share their bounties with those in need, and all live in peace.
This 3-minute video clip “OUR MISSION” says it ALL… ===>CLICK HERE<===
To make a safe and secure online DONATION by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
We offer free print and electronic media to charitable organizations striving to feed the hungry and relieve the suffering of chronic poverty. These materials will help those organizations develop funding for their work. We offer free educational presentations to churches and schools to create awareness of the bitter plight of the poor and marginalized and offer suggestions on how to effect systemic change.
Rooted in Franciscan spirituality, along with the mystical traditions of all faiths, Pax et Bonum Communications champions the importance of contemplation and action. We believe the best way to love God is through acts of love, mercy, compassion and kindness, especially for those living in acute poverty. We believe that care for the chronically poor is an essential component of the spiritual life, especially for the followers of Christ. We believe everyone is called to a life of sharing, caring and giving. We believe in the importance of genuine inter-faith dialogue. We believe violence is always wrong, that war is never a solution. Our goal is to stress the necessity of prayer, peace, harmony, humility and social justice. In the ecumenical spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, we hope to show the connectedness of all of creation, which will promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the common good and our essential need to become nurturers, healers and consolers.
Pax et Bonum Communications hopes to become a humble agent of transformation, helping people strip away the illusions of our consumer-crazed society, which plays at least a secondary role in contributing to the causes of disenfranchisement here at home and in developing nations around the world where millions are living hand-to-mouth. We will not shy away from confronting the injustice of global poverty where more than 10,000 children a day die of starvation; we will be a strong, consistent and prophetic voice speaking out on behalf of the poor and encouraging people to enter more deeply into prayer and to be more compassionate to those in dire need.
In all that we do, Pax et Bonum Communications will communicate the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. Our name comes from a salutation always used by St. Francis: Peace and good. Pax et Bonum is the Latin translation of the saint’s wish for everyone he encountered. In his native Italian, Francis would have said, “Pace e bene”…which we prefer to translate as “Peace and blessing,” which is what we hope and pray Pax et Bonum Communications offers to a world sorely in need of peace and blessing.
A 501(c)3 Public Charity – Federal Tax ID: 90-0654928
To make a safe and secure online DONATION by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
Our address is:
Pax et Bonum Communications, Inc.
827 N. Hollywood Way # 555
Burbank, CA 91505Cell: 1-818-433-1816
E-mail: HELP@PaxEtBonumComm.org
Pax et Bonum Communications is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. All monetary donations and grants are fully tax-deductible by law!
To make a safe and secure online DONATION by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
We offer free print and electronic media to charitable organizations striving to feed the hungry and relieve the suffering of chronic poverty. These materials will help those organizations develop funding for their work. We offer free educational presentations to churches and schools to create awareness of the bitter plight of the poor and marginalized and offer suggestions on how to effect systemic change.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to produce compelling films that foster compassion for the homeless, hungry and oppressed while inspiring a genuine and respectful fraternity among all people.
Vision Statement: Our vision is of a world where children no longer hunger, families enjoy safe shelter, wealthy countries and people share their bounties with those in need, and all live in peace.
This 3-minute video clip “OUR MISSION” says it ALL… ===>CLICK HERE<===
You may want to write us a letter or SEND A DONATION check, and we’d love to hear from you! Please send all correspondence to:
To make a safe and secure online DONATION by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
You may want to contact the Founder and President of Pax et Bonum Communications, Gerry Straub, directly by email at straubgt@aol.com with specific requests.
Another option for your questions (and even praises!) is to E-MAIL us at HELP@PaxEtBonumComm.org
Thank you for your interest and support in what we do!
Laura Purcell (Camarillo, California) (Chair of the Board)
John Heil (Los Angeles, California (Treasurer)
Nancy S. Charney (Cleveland, Ohio)
Lisa Juriga (Oakland, Michigan)
Bill Mulcahey (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Paul Robie (Los Angeles, California)
Gerard T. Straub (Burbank, California) (Founder and President)Board Member Emeritus: Mary Mather Nally (Pasadena, California)
Board Member Emeritus: Patti Normile, OSF (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Special Advisor: Dr. Michael Chiariello, Ph.D. (Olean, New York)
Film Editor: Stuart Robertson (Los Angeles, California)
Film Editor: Jeff Fust (Los Angeles, California)
Webmaster: Danny Bohlman (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Graphic Design: Mari Saso (Los Angeles, California)
Accounting: Victor A. Robinette, CPA, CFP (South Pasadena, California)
Insurance: Ted Shaw (Shaw, Moses, Menhenhall & Associates, South Pasadena, California)
click DVD cover for ordering options
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We are NOW able to accept credit card payments!
To order a Mud Pies & Kites DVD ONLINE by credit card safely ===>CLICK HERE<===
For more than ONE DVD please include an ADDITIONAL MESSAGE on the Order Review and Confirmation screen as to how many.
We ask for a suggested donation of $30 for each DVD. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t. We will pay the shipping. Please make your check payable to Pax et Bonum Communications. Send your name and complete mailing address along with your check to:
Or…if it is easier just e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com
with your name and complete mailing address and we will mail a DVD to you and you can send a check when it arrives. Please note in the Email Title (subject field) “MPAK FILM ORDER” so we can expedite your request!
Thank you!
We are NOW able to accept credit card payments!
To order a We Anoint Their Wounds DVD ONLINE by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
For more than ONE DVD please include an ADDITIONAL MESSAGE on the Order Review and Confirmation screen as to how many.
We ask for a suggested donation of $30 for each DVD. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t. We will pay the shipping. Please make your check payable to Pax et Bonum Communications. Send your name and complete mailing address along with your check to:
Or…if it is easier just e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com.org
with your name and complete mailing address and we will mail a DVD to you and you can send a check when it arrives. Please note in the Email Title (subject field) “WATW FILM ORDER” so we can expedite your request!
Thank you!
We are NOW able to accept credit card payments!
To order our The Wings of Love DVD ONLINE by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
For more than ONE DVD please include an ADDITIONAL MESSAGE on the Order Review and Confirmation screen as to how many.
We ask for a suggested donation of $30 for each DVD. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t. We will pay the shipping. Please make your check payable to Pax et Bonum Communications. Send your name and complete mailing address along with your check to:
Or…if it is easier just e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com
with your name and complete mailing address and we will mail a DVD to you and you can send a check when it arrives. Please note in the Email Title (subject field) “TWOL FILM ORDER” so we can expedite your request!
Thank you!
We are able to accept credit card payments!
To order The Smile of a Sick Child DVD ONLINE by credit card ===>CLICK HERE<===
For more than ONE DVD please include an ADDITIONAL MESSAGE on the Order Review and Confirmation screen as to how many.
We ask for a suggested donation of $30 for each DVD. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t. We will pay the shipping. Please make your check payable to Pax et Bonum Communications. Send your name and complete mailing address along with your check to:
Or…if it is easier just e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com.org
with your name and complete mailing address and we will mail a DVD to you and you can send a check when it arrives. Please note in the Email Title (subject field) “SOSC FILM ORDER” so we can expedite your request!
Thank you!
Making films for individuals and organizations dedicated to helping the poor is only part of what Pax et Bonum Communications does. Another vitally important part of our ministry is giving presentations to churches, high schools and colleges across the United States…and even in Europe. Gerry Straub, Pax et Bonum Communications’ founder and president, has given over 180 presentations the past eight years. Titled “Poverty & Prayer,” the presentation incorporates Gerry’s compelling conversion story as well as clips from his heart-wrenching documentary films on global and domestic poverty. High school presentations run 90 minutes and the adult version runs a full two hours. The presentation can be expanded into full day or two day retreats. The following pages contain endorsements from people who have attended the presentation and have been profoundly moved by the experience. There is also an up-to-date full list of all the churches and schools where Gerry has given presentations on this website’s HISTORY – PRESENTATIONS page HERE.
Gerry Straub has also lead day-long retreats on the theme of poverty and prayer in California, Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota and Assisi, Italy. He has also spoken at national conferences for religion teachers and campus ministers held in Maryland, Ohio and Indiana. Gerry has also given his presentation to the Trappist monks at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky and to the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn in New York City, as well as at gatherings of Secular Franciscans in Minnesota, Illinois and New York. In August of 2009 he gave a presentation at a gathering of over 5,000 young people in Paray-le-Monial, France. He also gave a presentation at the prestigious Orbis Books Speaker’s Series in Maryknoll, New York.
The presentations are offered free of charge, though Gerry will gratefully accept donations to Pax et Bonum Communications. For events outside the Los Angeles area, schools and churches would need to cover Gerry’s transportation and housing expenses.
Please take a moment to review the following criteria for our presentations using this website’s TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS page found HERE.
To schedule a “Poverty and Prayer” presentation at your school or church, please contact Gerry Straub using this website’s SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION page found HERE.
“In our day, it’s not uncommon to find issues of justice treated as separate from spirituality, dogma, and liturgy. In his powerful “Poverty & Prayer” presentation at our church, Gerry was able to help us to understand that these are all intimately related. Indeed, take justice out of the picture and we become poor shadows of what God means for us to be. Touched by scenes of poverty, though, the questions that so often haunt us all become clear – we understand why our worship, belief, and prayer are so very important. Thank you Gerry for helping us to see and to know God’s love and God’s will for our lives. May God bless you in your continued efforts to bring the face of Jesus to we who long for his life.”
Fr. Jim Brokman
Pastor
Holy Name Catholic Church
West Union, Iowa
“Mr. Straub’s presentation was the best that I have seen in my twenty-eight years at Aquinas. Heart-wrenching and hopeful, his film clips and stories commanded the full attention of everyone in the auditorium. What we witnessed was a clear example of what it means to live the gospel. His life and his work raise our awareness of the plight of the poor and remind us of our Christian responsibility to respond. Mr. Straub changes lives–the lives of the poor he serves and the lives of audiences inspired to do the same.”
Pat Connelly
Teacher
Aquinas Institute (high school)
Rochester, New York
“I found the presentation of Gerry Straub’s conversion and subsequent work riveting. His words and photos were ‘mind-blowing’ in the sense that my attention and my inner spirit were tremendously moved. It reminded me of my work in Mexico and Bolivia and how those experiences changed me and challenged me to always take the part of the powerless. And finally, his person renewed my hope!”
Fr. Gregg Petri, OFM
Associate Pastor
St. Mary’s Church
Bloomington, Illinois
“Gerry’s presentation speaks to the enormity of human pain and suffering that is experienced around the world. But more importantly, it speaks to the God-gifted human compassion that we are called to express as followers of St. Francis and as Christians.”
Kent Ferris, OFS
Director of Social Action and Catholic Charities
Diocese of Davenport, Iowa
Chair of the Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation Committee
of the National Fraternity of Secular Franciscan Order – USA
“‘Thank you’ is inadequate to express my appreciation and gratitude to you. Your presentations exceeded my hopes and expectations for your visit. I continue to hear – both from students and others present – how the images you shared are imprinted on their minds and hearts and how meeting the people whose stories you have recorded makes all the difference in grasping what poverty really means. Like the Hebrew prophets, you tell it as it is! Hard to hear and impossible to forget!”
Christine Bochen, Ph.D.
Professor of Religious Studies
and the William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies
Nazareth College, Rochester, New York
“Gerry’s films and his presentation enthralled our 1100 high school boys, kept them riveted for 90 minutes, and then galvanized them into action. Our service program has been transformed by the experience. It’s the best assembly I have witnessed in 33 years at this high school.”
Stephen P. Crawford
Campus Minister
Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick, Rhode Island
“Mr. Straub’s presentation brought a human face to the word poverty to me several times. He brought to my mind the degradation of the earth caused by earthquakes, climate change and human greed. Yes, we need a new human and evolutionary consciousness that there is ENOUGH in our world for all to LIVE and it starts with me!”
Sr. Marlene Schemmel, CSJ
“The Well” Retreat Center, LeGrange Park, Illinois
“Gerry, we are so grateful for the incredible presentation you gave us here at Adelphi University last week. Several students have contacted me and told me how moved they were by your stories and films. 20 students joined us in doing an outreach to the homeless in Manhattan this Sunday and many of them said that they were convicted to get involved after listening to you on Wednesday. Thank you for using your gifts and talents to create awareness and inspire compassion in the hearts of others! It truly was a gift to have you out here on Long Island!”
Matthew Rudolph
Campus Minister
Adelphi University Interfaith Center
“Gerry Straub’s films twice captivated audiences at our college. They’ve lead students, staff and faculty to volunteer for service trips to work with the poor. The films are a stunning witness to the need of outreach and compassion,”
William Mulcahey
Director of Campus Ministry
Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
“While Gerry Straub’s presentation was not “fun”, it was most appropriate and revealing for our understanding of the poverty surrounding us. Our awareness of this reality is so vital to our human call as Christians and keepers of our brothers. Gerry made us realize how easy it is to live in our shells and not be in tune with how some people live.
One teacher said that her students commented on how greatly affected they felt by Gerry’s talk and viewing, especially students participating in fasting for a day during Holy Week while raising money for a local soup kitchen. Another teacher said, “Students were moved by the presentation and wanted to help the poor.”
I think the films provided a true picture of poverty around the world our students and teachers felt the horror for them seeing just how difficult life is for others. The photos and descriptions tug at our hearts and make us want to help in some way. I believe now some of our students will be more likely to volunteer in and after college for service opportunities to make a difference for those less fortunate.”
Joy Allen
Principal
Central Catholic High School, Bloomington, Illinois
I was very touched by Mr. Straub’s presentation. He made situations in far off countries much more real to me. Most of the time, it’s hard to grasp that people live without the basic necessities of life such as food, water, shelter, and medicine. Afterwards, I encouraged my parents to go to Mr. Straub’s evening presentation at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. They were equally as affected by his presentation and were thankful for the reminder of the presence of poverty in the world.
Mr. Straub’s challenge and films inspire me to do what’s in my power to assist the poor and needy. I certainly don’t expect to eliminate poverty, but I can make small efforts such as participating in Central Catholic’s annual 24 for 24 fast to benefit the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Soup Kitchen and contribute to their work with the poor in the Bloomington/Normal area. After Mr. Straub’s presentation, I was doubly inspired to stay true to the fast if only to gain a little more understanding of what some people through on a daily basis. Furthermore, I was extremely pleased when Father Rick of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church presented the idea of sharing half of the money we raised from the 24 for 24 fast to help Mr. Straub with his efforts to making the world more aware of its’ poor. It was a cause certainly worth going hungry for.
Maureen Christensen
Bloomington Central Catholic High School Senior
“These films move beyond intellectual understanding to a profound spiritual awakening. Viewers constantly respond with the question, ‘What can I do to help my brothers and sisters.’ The films motivated my students to an active response in Christian solidarity.”
Deacon Ted Pijacki
Religion Teacher
St. Joseph’s Collegiate School, Buffalo, New York
“Gerry is a true Franciscan – his love of poverty and serving the poor is demonstrated throughout his work. The powerful video clips and his witness at the two presentations here in Bloomington, Illinois captivated the people at St. Mary’s and the students at Central Catholic High School. Gerry connected Francis’ love of poverty to his passion of Our Lord through prayer and action. Gerry challenges us all to do something to help the poor as we all have a deep human need to connect to God and each other. We wish him well and hope to see him again.”
Fr. Ric Schneider, OFM
Pastor, St. Mary’s Church, Bloomington, Illinois
“On behalf of all of us who had the privilege of hearing your presentation during your recent visit to Bloomington/Normal, we thank you very much for sharing your experiences and information and insights concerning the poor. of our world. You were truly inspirational, and your encouragement for action and involvement was definitively heard and is being acted upon by many in multiple ways.”
Jim and Nancy McCuskin
St. Mary’s Church, Bloomington, Illinois
The students and staff at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa were deeply moved by Gerry Straub’s presentation which combined the tools of media and personal testimony to educate about the stark reality of poverty. Through the power of film, Gerry brought to light the stories of people across the globe whose lives are devastated by the lack of food, shelter, clothing, medical care and at times the nurturing love of a mother and father. An added dimension of Gerry’s talk was his personal testimony and conviction about the work he does through Pax et Bonum Communications. He has truly been transformed through the power of God’s grace to use his talents and gifts to help those who have no way out of poverty. Anyone who has the opportunity to hear Gerry speak will not be the same. His presentation is life-changing and a powerful way to get schools and organizations talking about the issue of world poverty.
Sue May
Xavier High School
Theology / Campus Ministry
“Your parishioners will experience a new dimension of what it means to have so much in a world where so many have so little. I cannot recommend Gerry Straub’s presentation highly enough.”
Fr. Vaughn Winters
Pastor
St. John Nuemann Church, Santa Maria, California
“God bless all you do, and may you continue to inspire people with your films and presentations. We’ll never forget your touching our hearts.”
Br. Vincent Adams, OSF
St. Anthony’s High School, South Huntington, New York
These presentations are offered free of charge, though Gerry will gratefully accept donations to Pax et Bonum Communications. For events outside the Los Angeles area, schools and churches would need to cover Gerry’s transportation and housing expenses.
Please take a moment to review the following criteria for our presentations using this website’s TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS page found HERE.
To schedule a “Poverty and Prayer” presentation at your school or church, please contact Gerry Straub by email at straubgt@aol.com with the requested DATE(S) and LOCATION(S) along with your name and telephone number. Please note in the Email Title (subject field) “PRESENTATION REQUEST” so we can expedite your request!
You may also make requests for Presentations by regular mail. Please send the requested DATE(S) and LOCATION(S) along with your name, complete mailing address and telephone number to:
If you have any questions please e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com
“Pax et Bonum Communications made the Paschal Mystery come to life for me. I am grateful for Gerry Straub’s presentation to the Faith Formation Leaders and Catholic School Administrators that took place on October 14, 2013. Through his videos and very candid presentation, Gerry brought a very uncomfortable topic to our hearts. It was a difficult day. The images of poverty and illness from throughout the world haunt me still, as I’m sure they will haunt Gerry forever. Yet, he did not shy away from the reality of these issues. And, just as important, he did not use this issue to sell a product or raise money for his own benefit; instead, he used the issue to challenge his audience into a closer relationship with Jesus. Gerry Straub’s presentation on Christian prayer in the light of suffering called me to a deeper awareness of suffering in the world and in my own life. More importantly, it helped me to connect with the suffering of Jesus. The conversation was not candy-coated or superficial. It went straight to the hearts of us all. It was a refreshingly mature conversation about a topic that cannot immediately be solved. It was difficult, sickening, painful, and sorrowful, but it was genuine and the obvious truth. But, as the Paschal Mystery teaches us, suffering brings life. Gerry’s presentation was also a glimmer of hope, the hope of Jesus and the hope of Christians who will respond to His call to love ‘the least of these.’ His presentation broke my heart and filled it at the same time.”
Kevin Feyen
Director of Adolescent Faith Formation
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
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Hidden in the Rubble A Haitian Pilgrimage to Compassion and Resurrection by Gerard Thomas Straub This compelling drama is the inspiration and source for our first feature-film, “Mud Pies and Kites”! It is now in its second printing and available on the internet directly through the publisher! CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW FROM ORBIS BOOKS or call their toll-free number at 800.258.5838 |
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Thoughts of a Blind Beggar Reflections from a Journey to God by Gerard Thomas Straub In these brief, poetic meditations, Gerard Straub probes the depths of his soul and the heart of humanity on a search for God. This book is available on the internet directly through the publisher! CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW FROM ORBIS BOOKS or call their toll-free number at 800.258.5838 |
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The Sun and Moon Over Assisi A Personal Encounter with Francis and Clare by Gerard Thomas Straub Won first place in the hardcover spirituality book category in the annual Catholic Press Awards sponsored by The Catholic Press Association. The almost 600 pages of this book put a spotlight on the incredible circle designed by God that we call, boldly, “the Communion of Saints.” |
| In addition to purchase over the internet, a limited number of “When Did I See You Hungry?” SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR are available directly from Gerry Straub! All proceeds from these limited editions will go directly toward Pax et Bonum films in production! | |
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When Did I See You Hungry? by Gerard Thomas Straub Contact Gerry by email at straubgt@aol.com to order a SIGNED, limited edition of this out-of-print photo essay book for a $50 donation to Pax et Bonum Communications!! OR |
We are unable to accept credit card payments at present.
You may also send your order and check for these two out-of-print books by mail to Gerry and we will pay the shipping. Please make your check payable to Pax et Bonum Communications. Send your name and complete mailing address along with your check to:
If you have any questions, please e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com
Thank you!
We have one completed movie available on DVD:
Mud Pies and Kites
We are NOW able to accept credit card payments!
To order a Mud Pies & Kites DVD ONLINE by credit card safely ===>CLICK HERE<===
For more than ONE DVD please include an ADDITIONAL MESSAGE on the Order Review and Confirmation screen as to how many.
We ask for a suggested donation of $30 for each DVD. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t. We will pay the shipping. Please make your check payable to Pax et Bonum Communications. Send your name and complete mailing address along with your check to:
Or…if it is easier just e-mail us at straubgt@aol.com
with your name and complete mailing address and we will mail a DVD to you and you can send a check when it arrives. Please note in the Email Title (subject field) “FILM ORDER” so we can expedite your request!
Thank you!
paxetbonumcomm.wordpress.com 