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URI Cooperation Circle members around the world enthusiastically celebrated the UN IDP in many diverse and creative ways. This report is growing daily--stories, reflections and pictures are being added as they come in.
Contents to date (6.10.2005) include:
Poem for IDP, by Charles Gibbs
Malawi, Joyce Ng’oma
Manila, Philippines, by Marites Guingonas-Africa
Delhi, India, by Mohinder Singh
NYC/UN, by Charles Gibbs
Amenia, NY, by Charles Gibbs
Kampala, Uganda, by Despina Namwembe
Jerusalem, Israel, by Yehuda Stolov
Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Susi Reich
Seoul, Korea, by Rev. Jinwol Lee
Houston Texas, USA, by P.K. McCary
Pakistan—Thirteen events, by Fr. James Channan and others
Manipur, India, by Radhamohan Das
Poems from Youth in Nepal
Assisi, Italy, by Yoland Trevino
Ayacucho, Peru, by Alejandrino y Maria Eugenia
Blessing for a New Tomorrow
We gather here today to plant a new tomorrow,
fulfilling the prophet’s ancient vision –
swords into ploughshares, spears into pruning hooks,
and, yes, land mines into grape vines.
We gather here today to plant a new tomorrow
whose harvest will be not the grapes of wrath
but the fruit of peace, justice and healing,
fruit all flesh shall share together.
We gather here today to plant a new tomorrow,
watering these tender vines with waters from
the Jordan River mingled with waters from the United Nations,
in this sacred place – a garden of reconciliation and transformation.
We gather here today to plant a new tomorrow
asking the blessing of all that is holy
on our planting and pledging
our lives to be a holy planting.
We will go forth from here today
as many who are one,
who have planted together a new tomorrow
and pledged together to be a new tomorrow –
human gardens of reconciliation and transformation,
bearing the fruit of peace, justice and healing,
fruit all flesh shall share together,
in the name of all that is holy.
So may it be.
Written for the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2005
by The Rev. Canon Charles Gibbs, Executive Director, United Religions Initiative
and read by those gathered at the Isaiah Wall across from the United Nations
to plant a grape vine to bear the fruit of peace, justice and healing for all.
Blantyre, Malawi. Joyce Ng’oma URI Malawi celebrated IDP at Chisapi Private Schools with pomp. Banners with words such as "URI MALAWI AND CHISAPI PRIVATE SCHOOLS CELEBRATE PEACE DAY," “MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH," and MTENDERE PA DZIKO LAPANSI" "MTENDERE"
What you are not able to understand translates to what has been written in English. We wanted everybody to know what the celebration was about. Almost all children put on hats with the above words. The banners were hung on walls and trees. About 500 people attended. The theme was "May Peace Prevail on Earth."
URI members arriving for the festivities.
The main celebration started as soon as the Member of Parliament arrived at the School. Seith Brewer opened with a Prayer for Peace then the little ones gave us a traditional dance. They looked adorable in white hats and wrappers around their waist and danced vigorously for peace as they sang: We want peace in Malawi and the whole world; we are proud of this day, stop fighting each other, love your neighbour.
After the colourful dance there were speeches made in the following order: by a student named Dauphen Kambewankako (12yrs) thanked URI for choosing her school as a venue and called on fellow students to know the importance of Peace among people. She called on parents to love each other and their families and Neighbours, among other things.
I was the second to speak. I thanked the owner of the school for agreeing that we use their premises, and thanked students and teachers for being readily available to join us and host the IDP. I gave the history of URI globally and in Malawi in particular; explained to them how they can join and some of the activities we have done.
One of the teacher's at the school, Mr. Peter Nkhwema, spoke after me. He thanked the people for their attendance. He told them how happy the school was to be the first in Malawi to be associated with such a function and wished everyone to be as peaceful as possible in what they do and help build Malawi.
The Group Village Headman Mnyaka spoke next. He thanked the Proprietor for building the school in his area and that activities such as the IDP mean a lot to his people now that they have seen and heard about it.
The last speaker was one of the youngest Member of Parliament Honourable Billy Kaunda, a very controversial and popular musician, whose songs are on sensitive issues and also promote the welfare of children and people in general.
He commended URI Malawi for hosting the function in his Constituency. He stated that the opposite of Peace is War hence the need to join hands and prevent war and propagate peace. He urged the people to solve their problems through contact and dialogue. He called for peace in Malawi, its neighbouring countries and the world as a whole.
Among the activities done were: Poems, Bible verses on peace, Drama, Kwaito dance and singing. The function ended with Candle lighting and a prayer by one of the teachers, M. A. Mulipa. At the very end, we gathered with all participants for a drink in the name of PEACE.
Let me end with a poem written specially for IDP and then one of the students' speeches. They wrote these on their own and at short notice. We are all very impressed with their dedication.
"PEACE" a Poem by Lucy Mangwiyo, age 10
Peace, peace what kind of an animal are you?
Peace means living together in harmony.
Why is it that fathers and mothers do not live in peace?
Why is it that there are conflicts in Sudan, DRC and Liberia?
Do not commit suicide, do not kill with a gun, no manslaughter, do not beat each other, that is what we call peace.
Give the world the peace it deserves.
Happy is a man who brings peace, a man who fights for peace, for the good of the world.
May peace prevail on Earth.
Give the world the peace it deserves.
Speech by: Dauphen Kambewankako, age 12
The Regional Coordinator for URI and URI members, The Member ofParliament, Chiefs, Parents, Fellow students, Ladies and gentlemen.
Today, CHISAPI Private School and the community join the world in celebrating the International Day of Peace. This is a good cause for us to meet today because without peace, we will experience the following: Violence, People quarrelling, Disturbances, War, Theft and Burglary, Rape, Torture, Pain and Cruelty. The students of Chisapi and the young people in Malawi do not like to live in fear when we see such things happening. by taking part today, we want to tell the world that we like PEACE. We realize that without peace there will be no development.
We students of Chisapi private school would like to see the following for Malawi and the world:
1. People discussing issues whenever there is a problem in a mature way.
2. People not fighting but laughing and smiling.
3. People helping each other in time of need, for example, in Malawi, we need to share food especially now when some people are dying of hunger.
It is our sincere hope that as everybody leaves this place, he or she should be speaking about peace.
Delhi, India. Mohinder Singh
Delhi CCs. marked International Day of Peace by organising an Interfaith Peace Prayer in Salwan Public School on 21st September, 2005, at 9.00 AM, wherein other local CCs also joined. The function began with prayer from different religious traditions of India followed by addresses from the religious leaders of nine religious traditions of India. Dr. Mohinder Singh, who was the Chief Guest at the function talked about the role of U.R.I. in promoting the culture of peace and called upon the school children to work for building a peaceful society and cultivate culture of peace.
Mrs. Vandana Puri, Principal of the school, highlighted various initiatives taken by the school in promoting the culture of peace and popularising other initiatives such as greening the ridge and popularising the idea of saplings being distributed at festive occasions.
Manila, The Philippines. Marites Guingona-Africa
This year's celebration of the International Day of Peace in Manila, Philippines was a heartwarming event, "Moving in Solidarity towards PEACE" that brought together religious groups from diverse faith traditions, non-profit organizations from various sectors of society, and students from different schools and universities.
For the third consecutive year, the IDP celebration was held at the Liwasang Aurora of the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The Peacemakers' Circle was one of the convening partners of the event, along with the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Urban Missionaries, the Women and Gender Commission, and other prominent non-profit organizations in Metro Manila.
The activities began with ringing of the Peace Bell at two o'clock in the afternoon. This was followed by interfaith prayers. After the prayers, various groups began to walk in procession to government offices around the Quezon Circle (such as the City Hall, the National Housing Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Land Reform, etc.) to present the UN IDP peace statement, and to invite the people working there to attend the afternoon's celebrations.
While the groups were gone visiting government agencies, the people who were left behind had the chance to visit the various exhibit booths that were set-up around the park by the participating organizations. The Peacemakers' Circle had its own booth to share with its members and friends in the interfaith community. In the booth, free jyorei healing was offered by the Shumei group. The Guru Nanak mission gave prashad (blessed food offering) to everyone, while the Muslim and Buddhist representatives watched on.
At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the program began with welcome remarks from the park's president, Atty. Charito Planas, a committed partner and supporter of the yearly IDP celebration. Leaders of faith groups and spiritual organizations offered reflections and blessings of peace. A representative of the UN Information Center, Mr. Edwin Martin, graced the occasion, and read the UN statement to the outdoor assembly.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the prayer for all the countries in the world by Mr. Mario "Toots" Fungo, representative of the World Peace Prayer Society in the Philippines. Toots brought with him 191 flags of all the nations in the world, and their vibrant colors waved in the afternoon breeze!
Songs, dances, and reflections on peace were shared with all who participated in the afternoon's event. Finally, as dusk turned to night, candles were lit, and a procession around the Circle began while everyone sang, Make Me a Channel of your Peace.
The Peacemakers' Circle participated actively in making this day's activities a success. Shakuntala Vaswani did very well in coordinating the program (in the absence of the person-in-charge), Marites Africa emceed it on-stage, Orlan documented it, while Lee and the other members of the Peacemaker's Circle assisted the religious leaders.
The day's celebration ended with heartwarming gestures of peace among the assembly of diverse people who were there, and the sharing of hope and commitment to the cause of peace. How interesting it was to watch everyone struggling to keep the light of their candles alive during the evening's peace walk around the Circle, despite the strong winds that threatened to blow them out! This was perceived by many to be symbolic of the struggle to keep hope alive for peace in the world in the midst of the darkness that seems to prevail in our world today.
Amenia, New York, USA. Charles Gibbs. World Peace Festival:
September 17 and 18 I was in Amenia, NY for a wonderful peace festival hosted by the World Peace Prayer Society under the leadership of their director, Deborah Moldow, who is also a URI Global Council Trustee and convener of the URI UN CC. Though the attendance wasn’t as great as they had hoped, the festival was a powerful experience that supported people’s deep yearning for peace that rises from within each of us and is manifested through our lives and our communities.
One highlight was an interfaith ceremony offering prayers for peace from many different traditions. The ceremony was all the more meaningful because it was organized by Betsy Stang, an extraordinary activist who served on URI’s Interim Global Council and is a leader in the Mid-Hudson Valley CC. Betsy continues her struggle with cancer, buoyed by the prayers and meditation of the URI community around the world.
I find that these days whenever I am asked to offer a prayer or to speak I begin, as I have for years, by extending greetings of love and peace from the URI community around the world. Then I ask people to be mindful of the gift of life and to experience a deep gratitude for the miracle and mystery of each breath we take, which connects us with all live on this Earth. I ask people to experience gratitude that we are able to gather in safety in a world where so many live each day in fear; to gather in the midst of abundance when so many live each day hungry. And I ask people to invite into our midst our sisters and brothers all over the world who may live in fear or hunger that they may join us in a time of rest and renewal and that we may join them in a deeper commitment to work for a world where all can live lives free from fear about their survival and free from hunger.
The other highlight of the day was the World Peace Prayer Ceremony, which began with a stirring message by Masami Saionji, Chair of the World Peace Prayer Society, who invited all present to live into the fullness of their divine nature as lights of peace. Following her inspiring remarks, the flags of 191 nations and of communities of identity, such as Tibet and Palestine and the native peoples of North America, which are not formally recognized as nations, were paraded as those gathered prayed that the people of each nation live in peace and that peace prevail on Earth. The ceremony was deeply moving and is, I believe, a critically important tool in helping to create a global consciousness for peace.
New York, USA. Charles Gibbs.
International Day of Peace at the UN
On September 21st, I joined Monica Willard, URI’s UN representative, many members of the URI UN CC, the Secretary General, Kofi Annan, and Mrs. Annan, several UN Ambassadors for Peace, including Elie Wiesel and Jane Goodall, and 500 young people to observe the International Day of Peace at the UN. The URI is blessed with Monica’s leadership, and the UN has been blessed by all the work she has done over the years to build a powerful observance of the IDP within the UN. 
Rev. Charles Gibbs, Mrs. Nane Annan As he prepared to ring the Peace Bell, which was cast from coins donated by children all over the world, the Secretary General reflected that this day is intended to grow into a day of global ceasefire where all people all over the Earth step back from violence and reflect on the practice of peace. He commented that people often say that 24 hours is not a very long time to devote to the practice of peace, but 24 hours is, he said, a long enough time for people to look across the barbed wire that separates them and ask what they might do to remove the need for the barbed wire. Having stood recently with URI’s Global Council and staff and many Korean colleagues looking across the barbed wire of the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, I have a heightened understanding of what Mr. Annan was talking about.
Following the ceremonial ringing of the bell in the UN’s peace garden, the action shifted to Conference Room 3 where 500 young people and a few selected adults (I was privileged to be among that number representing URI), gathered to hear UN Undersecretary General, Shashi Tharoor, Mrs. Nane Annan and several of the Ambassadors for Peace. The first two speakers read from entries about peace that had been submitted to the UN by young people from all over the world and can be found at http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/.
Elie Wiesel asked why we celebrate war and not peace. He said there is nothing beautiful or glorious about war. It is ugly and grotesque. Both sides suffer in war. It is time we found the words and the will to make peace seem more glorious than war, he said. Then he offered a gentle but clear challenge to the young people, It’s up to you to make sure that my past does not become your future.
A highlight of the program was the link, by internet video streaming, with young people in the Middle East and in Northern Ireland. The young people from Israel attend the Bridge Over the Wadi School where Jewish and Arab children study side by side. The school was founded in the midst of so much despair and violence by parents who believed it was their duty to give their children the opportunity to grow up differently, to create an experiential foundation upon which to build a better world. Based on the comments from the students, this noble experiment is working.
The young people from Northern Ireland attended the Hazelwood College (a high school) in Belfast where Protestant and Catholic young people study side by side. I was deeply impressed by the leadership of these young people, especially the young women, as they spoke of the power for transformation that comes with this sort of schooling. One person commented, “I’m a Protestant and I had never met a Catholic before coming here. Now I know many Catholics and I love them all very much. They’re my best friends.” Another remarked, “We’re not going to do what our fathers and uncles did before us, we’re going to break out of the mold.”
After an internet facilitated interaction with students from these schools, we heard from several young activists who are committed to inspiring and practical projects of transformation. One of the most stirring moments came when a young Israeli Jew, Yaakov “Kofy” Sadan, spoke of his experience in Seeds of Peace, a program that brings Jewish and Arab young people together to live and learn with and from each other in the US. Kofy spoke of how he hadn’t known that he would have to work so closely with Arab young people and sleep in the same room with them. He was terrified when, having grown up with the warning to never turn your back on an Arab or you’ll be stabbed in the back, he suddenly realized that he was to sleep with a Jordanian on one side of him and a Palestinian on the other side. “I didn’t sleep much that night because I was so afraid,” he said. But his fear passed as he came to realize that the “other side” are just human beings. He acknowledged that the conflict is complex, that peace is hard work and will take a long time, but he was clear that peace was much more possible because the seeds of peace were planted, a conviction shared by his Palestinian colleague, Ahmad Mamdouh Medhat.
Following these presentations, we participated in the World Peace Prayer Ceremony, led by Deborah Moldow. The ceremony began with the ringing of a peace bell forged from metal reclaimed from weapons. Nane Annan was invited to ring the bell on behalf of the nations of the world. I was honored to join her, on behalf of URI, representing the world’s religions. As it had two days before, this ceremony created a powerful field of prayer and global consciousness for peace.
Our next stop was across the street from the UN at the Isaiah Wall, so named because it bears the famous quotation from the prophet Isaiah, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Neither shall they learn war any more.” Joining with Heidi Kuhn, founder of Roots of Peace, we participated in a ceremonial planting of a grapevine, celebrating her organization’s removal of 100,000 landmines in
Afghanistan and the harvesting of 80,000 tons of table grapes from the newly freed fields.
Finally, we journeyed to the lower end of Manhattan near the site of the World Trade Center to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, which, with St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel, served as centers of spiritual support in the horrifying and yet hopeful days following the September 11 attacks.
The Youth Peace Walk began in upstate Grafton, NY and walked first to the World Peace Prayer Society's Imagine Peace Festival on September 18. They continued their International Day of Peace observance by walking their prayers and hopes for peace to the UN and then onto the event, Courage to Forgive, held at St. Peter's Church near the former World Trade Center. Fr. Lyndon Harris, who led the ministry of St. Paul’s Chapel, urged those gathered to focus not on September 11, but on September 12, which marked an extraordinary coming together of countless people from all cultures, races, religions and walks of life to begin to build a new tomorrow out of the smoldering ashes of yesterday. He spoke compellingly of the need to plant gardens of forgiveness all over the world, not to excuse the evil that has been done, but to create visible expressions of our need to move from the experience of that evil into a different life based not on retribution but on transformation.
Marianne Williamson spoke eloquently about the human connection with the divine. She challenged all present to commit ourselves to the spiritual practices that will allow us increasingly to manifest the divine qualities of love, compassion and peace within ourselves and through our actions in the world for the good of all.
Following Marianne’s remarks, Deborah Moldow, for the second time that day, led a World Peace Prayer Ceremony. It was thrilling, in this church whose roof had been pierced by a piece of metal during the collapse of the Trade Towers, to see the flags of all the world’s nations waving, each distinct and beautiful, and together creating an inspiring whole that celebrated our distinctness and uplifted our underlying unity.
Having been given the honor, on behalf of URI, to offer the closing prayer, I noted that members of URI all over the world were joining with us in observing the International Day of Peace, and I commented that our prayers for all the nations of the world had filled the church with over 6 billion people—in that moment we were one. One not only with those we loved easily, but with those we didn’t like and may have found it excruciatingly hard to love. I prayed that we be guided in our work to see divine love manifest within us and through us as we lived into our call to be light to the world.
Uganda. Despina Namwembe.
The International Day of peace in Uganda was celebrated well by most CCs. CCs organized differently along different thematic areas which emphasised peace.
According to Sheikh Musa Khalil the sub-regional contact person for northern Uganda, the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative conducted candle light interfaith prayers on the eve of 21st. Many people from this region came for bull roasting and shared some good moments and merry making which is unusual in northern Uganda. Sheikh Khalil confirms that for several hours peace was evident on many people's faces, thus the war in this region which had been in existence for more than 20 years seemed like history. The following day, there was an interfaith peace walk concluded by prayers at the boma grounds. Sheikh Khalil said the concluding prayers and also spoke highly about URI and its contribution to peace.
Universal Ministries CC, Stewardship Ministries CC and Affinet CC hail from the same sub region. These merged their activities. These celebrated under the theme of "Empowering the orphaned child. a key to national development". Uganda has over 2 million orphans mostly due to HIV and the War. The CC contact persons invited most of the religious leaders in their sub-region and also invited government officials. The Member of Parliament for the area was also present. Bishop Jackson Matovu who is the URI contact person for Stewardship Ministries CC said that peace can not be enjoyed when orphans have no clear future ahead of them. Later the orphans who are being looked after by the cc leadership exhibited their art and crafts, also those who are undertaking skills in tailoring, carpentry, etc. exhibited. Rev. Michael Lubowa of Universal Ministries is on a missionary tour in London.
Youth Interfaith Mission and Interfaith Youth Partnership CCs also came together under the umbrella of URI and decided to conduct a youth work camp for northern Uganda refugees who had been resettled in Mukono district (southern Uganda). The youths collected used clothes, shoes, hand bags, etc., for these refugees and also offered manual labour to do general cleaning and offered food to them.
Pamoja CC members did not directly participate in the celebrations but are still undertaking skills training courses in alternatives to violence at Makerere University. They want to utilize these skills together with the URI Interfaith Peacebuilding Guide to train other CC members in peace building.
I attended interfaith peace prayers at Wampewo grounds in Kampala. Our country has transitioned into multi-party politics and tension is building up already. Most people are fearful of what might happen in the next year’s elections. The last time this country had similar type of politics was in the late 70s and early 80s; there was a lot of chaos and loss of lives. Religious leaders therefore prayed for peace in this transitional period. They also prayed for harmonious co-existence mostly among the Christians and the Moslems. There had been an earlier clash among Christians and Moslems simply because according to the Christians, the Moslems had misinterpreted some of the verses in the Bible. Some of those who initiated the fighting are already in prison. As a URI representative I was requested to offer a reading concerning peace. I did this and requested the congregation to repeat after me at the end: "May peace prevail on earth."
Jerusalem, Israel. Yehuda Stolov
On the night of September 21st in Jerusalem the IEA - Interfaith Encounter Association - had some 60 Muslim, Jewish, and Christian brothers and sisters celebrating together the International Day of Peace. During the act, all attendants paid respect to the International Peace Day with a minute of silence, said “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, danced circular dances and, in the end, threw white balloons to the air as a means of support. We have also tolled the Peace Bell, on its 50th. Anniversary.
We were lighting a Peace Candle, offering traditional prayers for peace from the three religions, sharing about the work of the different IEA groups in Jerusalem and signing a Declaration of Intention to work and pray for peace daily. After blessing each other, we were sharing food and spontaneously singing songs in Arabic and Hebrew accompanied by the guitar and the oud - all in the balmy Jerusalem evening air in the garden of the Swedish Theological Institute.
It was a magical night of camaraderie, warmth, hope and relaxation – a true oasis of peace. Some commented how simple and unpretentious it was - no speeches, no fancy proclamations, no well-prepared presentations or artistic offerings, no egos jostling for position as peacemakers -- just a basic sharing of our time, our work, our music, our hopes, our food, and most importantly - our selves. This wonderful respite gladdened and encouraged us all as we experienced that PEACE IS POSSIBLE.
Noa added a moving personal note: "The most important affect this meeting had on me was to see many more people I didn't know before who are involved in interfaith activity. People who are part of a community we are creating. Many times as I walk the streets of Jerusalem I think that this city can be a wonderful spiritual oasis - a place for celebrating the difference of culture, language and belief. Last night in the beautiful yard of Bet Tabor Jerusalem seemed to me beautifully rich with the diversity of humankind. The potential of this city was visual and clear. It was great."
Buenos Aires, Argentina. Susi Reich
From Buenos Aires we are happy to inform you about the two very important acts that we have held to celebrate the International Peace Day, on September 21st.
At noon, members of Mil Milenios de Paz organization; Proyecto 3er. Milenio foundation; United Religions Initiative (URI); World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS), with the support of schools of Buenos Aires and the uptown area; the Buenos Aires Culture and Education state departments; Rotary International district 4890; and Pupi foundation, gathered together at the Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden) of Buenos Aires, in order to remember this very special day.
 
During the act, all attendants paid respect to the International Peace Day with a minute of silence, said “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, danced circular dances and, in the end, threw white balloons to the air as a means of support. We have also tolled the Peace Bell, on its 50th. Anniversary.
The opening was held by María Costa Pinto –Information Director of U.N. In the afternoon, in name of Proyecto 3er. Milenio foundation, URI and WPPS, we were invited to donate a Peace Pole in a widely spread act which took place at the Manzana de las luces (Lights Block) —en emblematic establishment of the Argentinian history. Many schools supported the motto “Join the crew” by holding a minute of silence at noon time.
It makes us proud to have contributed to aware the community about the relevance of Peace around the world. We thank you for your support and everlasting guidance.
Seoul, Korea, Rev. Jinwol Lee
Unlike last year’s inter-faith event, the members of URI-Korea CCs have had IDP intra-faith celebrations in their communities to spread the spirit widely in their own ways. Most of them had a time of meditation and prayer for world peace at their temples and churches or other religious places in IDP. The following is what I personally did to commemorate IDP.
On September 21st, I began with a meditation on IDP at my resident temple, Daegaksa, 5:00-6:00 AM, followed by a peace prayer ceremony at my university temple, Jeonggakwon of Dongguk University, 9:00-9:30 AM. In the afternoon I gave a Dharma Lecture to 60 teachers of the girls’ middle school, which belongs to the School of Education of Dongguk University,; 7 faculty dinner at Daejanggeum Restaurant, 6:00-7:30 PM; peace meditation at Daegaksa, 9:00-10:00 PM. 
Houston, Texas, USA. P.K. McCary
The International Day of Peace in the Texas/Louisiana areas saw millions of individuals on the road fleeing to safety from the onslaught of Hurricane Rita.
Those of us who were safe (I was in a safe area with my daughter and her friends), decided to hold the "heart" of Rita in prayer. We asked for compassion from Rita and offered that we understood her rage and need for the impending carnage, but we asked that she seek the way of peace.
Now many may think it foolish to talk to a storm, but in reality we were talking to the heart of the earth that encompasses all of us. We are not out of hurricane season and some have predicted at least one or two more storms the strength of both Katrina and Rita. I'm praying that this not be the case, but if we are again in the path of another storm (be it female or male named), my hope is that we all join in prayer to speak to the heart of them. I'm so grateful for the help I've received from around the globes (resources and prayers) for the Katrina survivors.
I've many stories to tell. Some wonderful ones and some tragic ones. But, I think what has been the best part of the storms have been witnessing the courageous, the compassionate, the grace under which I've watched people work. I also witnessed a very fundamentalist, often-times faith intolerant person, open his doors to Hindus, Muslims, and others to put their energies into helping people. I think his heart has been changed. I've watched frustration and anger turn into teamwork and an effort towards resolution. Our peace week may have been dampened by post-Katrina and pre-Rita storms, but the Decade of Non-Violence Houston had a successful conference (more than 71 attended) on the 17th of September, we gave a peace pole to the City of Houston on the 20th of September, and some very wonderful meetings and events DID take place.
There is still work to do. I see it unfolding in ways we could never have IMAGINED, but we must imagine it to be realized. Remember, the tag line for the next half of this Decade of the new millennium. This Decade can become a time when the impossible becomes possible, the possible becomes probable, and the probable becomes inevitable. We're building a culture of peace one heart at a time! I love you all. Again, thank you. P.K. McCary
Thirteen program in Pakistan. Fr James Channan OP.
In accordance with the declaration of the United Nations to celebrate International Day of Peace on 21st of September many programs were organized by various organizations in Multan, Lahore, Gudjrat, and Islamabad. It was a wonderful experience for the URI family in Pakistan to fill the entire day with celebrations! Here are highlights of the programs which were organized by the United Religions Initiative (URI) in full partnership with many other organizations. Our national press gave prominent coverage to our peace events.
1. Holy Mass offered for the Global Peace, Multan
The staff and students of the Pastoral Institute Multan offered Holy Mass for global peace to begin the International Day of Peace at 6.30AM in their Chapel. The Main Celebrant of this Holy Mass was Rev. James Channan, OP; special readings were chosen from the Holy Bible on the message of peace and love.
The students sang peace songs and a homily was given on global peace; the role of the United Nations in promoting global peace and peace messages of Pope Benedict XI and Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, were quoted. The students and staff offered petitions before God for peace in the world, especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel/Palestine.
2. Peace Walk, Multan
An impressive celebration took place before the Press Club of Multan in the form of a Peace Walk which was jointly organized by the Multan Peace Net Work, Taraqi Pasand Organization, URI Pakistan and Caritas Pakistan Multan. Over 100 persons including children, women and men gathered before the Press Club at 10.30 AM for the Peace Walk. Pigeons were released, peace song sung. Small children were holding play cards with slogan such as: “We want peace and not war.” “May Peace Prevail On Earth,” “May Peace Prevail in Pakistan,” and “Give us Books not Bombs.”
This walk was from the New Multan City Chowk (Square) and lead by the organizers: Mr. Sabtain Raza Lodhi, Fr James Channan OP, Muhammad Jamil, Mr. Samuel Clement and Dr. Kishwar Murad. Fr James Channan, Director Pastoral Institute Multan and URI Coordinator for Asia led the Peace Walk was the Chief Guest and Mr. Muhammad Jamil was the Chief Organizer. While addressing the press Fr. James said, “Pakistan is a peace loving country and we as members of different organizations are putting our full role in promoting peace. We should be afraid of a small number of people who disturb peace and promote terrorism. We congratulate President Musharraf for his liberal policies and for making all citizens of Pakistan equal by abolishing separate electorates.” Fr. Channan appreciated and urged the government of Pakistan to carry on dialogue with the government of Israel for this is only way to resolve the decades of issue of Palestine. He also urged the government of Pakistan to celebrate this day at government level. Mr. Muhammad Jamil said it is the prime objective of the Multan Peace Network to work for interfaith harmony and tolerance. He congratulated Mr. Kofi Annan for urging all of us to work for the noble cause of peace all around the world.
3. Seminar at Workers Welfare School, Multan
One seminar on the theme of “Development of Peace and Harmony was organized by the Crescent Lines Club of Multan. At was organized at Workers Welfare High School in Multan. The entire school staff and over 500 students were present for this seminar. The students of the school made beautiful speeches on the need of promoting peace and harmony among religions and they emphasized that Islam the religion of peace and thus values must be practiced at all levels of the lives of Muslims. Exactly at 12.00 noon ONE MINUTE of SILENCE was observed by all participants per the suggestion of Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations. Presenters included Mrs. Shagufta Kanwal, Principal of the School; Mr. Sabtain Raza Lodhi; and Coordinator of the Taraqi Pasad Tehreeq; Mr Waseem Mumtaz and Mr. Shakir. Mr. Ijaz Ahmed, President of the Crescent Lines Club, presided over the seminar and Fr. James Channan OP was the Chief Guest.
In his presidential remarks, Mr. Ijaz said that we must fight terrorism at all levels and we must destroy its roots. The root cause of terrorism is ignorance and non acceptance of the other around us. In his observation there is no danger of Clash of Civilization or Clash of Religions, for him it is the Clash of Ignorance and lack of knowledge. Fr. James Channan congratulated the principal and organizers of the seminars and said our religions teach us love, peace, tolerance, forgiveness and care of the others. There is Golden Rule which is found in all religions and that is “Do unto others; what you would like them to do unto you”. This rule if found in the teaching and holy books of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism etc. If all of us practice this golden role and act upon it we can bring lasting peace in the entire world. He also mentioned that Christian and Muslims make 54 % of the world population; if the followers of both of religions have dialogue then peace will certainly prevail on earth.
4. Peace Conference at the Pastoral Institute, Multan
The third and largest celebration of the International Day of Peace was held at the Pastoral Institute Multan. This function took place at 5:00PM with the releasing of doves and balloons in the air. One plant of peace was planted by the representatives of Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. It was planted in the lawn of the Pastoral Institute by Ali Raza Gardezi, Mrs. Zuhra Zaidi, Mr. Sabtain Raza Lodhi, Mrs. Yasmeen Khakwani, Mr. Ziaul Rehman (Muslims) Dr. Kishwar Murad Kishwar (Hindu), Fr James Channan and Miss Ann Mary (Christians).
These events were followed by the Peace Conference in the nicely decorated auditorium of the Institute on the theme of “The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Global Peace.” The conference began with a recitation for the holy book of Muslims, Christians and Hindus. During the conference, the Candle of Peace was lit by the representative of different organizations and religions. A group of 25 students of the Pastoral Institute presented two beautiful peace songs and a tableau as well. The member of the Women and Children Disabled Welfare also presented a lovely tableau on peace. One minute of silent prayers was observed for the peace of the world.
This conference was jointly organized by the following organizations; Directors or Representatives of all these associations were present.
1. United Religions Initiative Pakistan, Fr James Channan OP
2. The Pastoral Institute Multan, Mr. Francis Daniel Assistant Director
3. Awaz Foundation, Director Mr. Zia ul Rahman
4. Justice and Peace Commission Pakistan, Executive Secretary Dr. Alwin Murad
5. CARITAS Pakistan Multan, Mr. Gulzar
6. Amnesty International, Mrs. Zuhra Zaidi
7. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Ms. Shaista
8. Pakistan Christian Writers Guild, Mr. Javed Yad
9. National Justice and Peace Commission Pakistan, Mr. Saleem Raza
10. Civil Society URI CC Multan, Dr. Kishwar Murad Kishwar
11. Citizen Democratic Forum, Mr. Javed Sohail
12. Women and Children Disabled Care Multan, Mrs. Ruth Hanif Lal
13. Women’s Rights Association, Mrs. Yasmeen Khakwani
14. Small Productions Organization Multan, Mr. Sabtain Lodhi
15. Multan Cresent Lines Club, Mr. Sabtain Lodhi
16. Taraqi Pasand Organization, Ms. Samina Naz
17. Multan Peace Network, Mr. Jamil
18. Suwail Development Organization, Ms. Yasmeen Khakwani
19. Alqaim Organization, Ali Gardezi
20. Coalition Against Child Labor Punjab, Shaista Jabeen
21. Diocese Catechetical Commission Multan, Miss Safya Piyara
22. Christian Welfare Orgaization, Mr. Sharif Bahadar
23. SEAP Pakistan, Asim Mumtaz, Advocate
All persons mentioned above represented their organizations and gave a speech of five minutes each on their points of view on global peace, the challenges it is facing and what role their organization is playing to promote peace in the world. All highlighted the importance of the Civil Society in promoting global peace, respect for humanity, equality, religious freedom of all and rights of women and minorities. The challenges faced by the UN were also highlighted. The annunciation of the International Day of Peace was highly appreciated. All vowed to support the noble cause of the United Nations. The dangers to peace caused by terrorism, hate crimes, weapons of mass destruction, arm race and atom bombs were also mentioned.
The message of the Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Day of Peace was read and it was deeply appreciated by all the participants. It was listened to with great respect and care.
Toward the end of the conference following Resolutions were unanimously approved by all.
1. We appeal to the governments of all countries to work jointly for the termination of terrorism in the world. In order to provide a firm foundation for peace, take out armed forces from Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir and Ireland. The countries who have occupied these countries must vacate them and act upon the golden role of “To Live and Let Live.”
2. All countries of the world must sign and accept the Treaty to Ban Small (and Big) Weapons. We also appeal to all countries to stop making weapons of mass destruction, fatal armaments and demonstration of these weapons as well.
3. In order to overcome hunger and poverty make just distribution of resources in the world.
4. We urge the government of Pakistan to declare the celebration of the International Day of Peace at the national level.
5. We urge the government of Pakistan to review our education curricula and take out all those chapters which give rise to discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion and gender. Such discriminatory elements must be replaced with the teachings of peace, love, mutual respect and tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
It was for the very first time in the history of Multan that the International Day of Peace was celebrated on such a grand scale by so many organizations. And it can be very confidently said that it was the largest program of entire country which was jointly organized by 23 different organizations which are working both at national and international levels.
5. Poetry Peace Concert (Mushaira),Multan
In connection with the International Day of Peace, an All Pakistan Poetry Concert was organized in Multan on 19th of September at the Pastoral Institute Multan. In this concert over 30 poets participated and recited poems on global peace and tolerance. These poets came from Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Melsi, Vehari, Sargodha and Faisalabad. The poetry concert started at 8.30PM and lasted till 12.00 midnight. Several poets of national and international repute participated in this peace poetry concert. Dr. Prof. Asi Karnali presided; Dr. Kanwal Feroze from Lahore and Dr. Prof. Yousaf Nayyar from Sialkot were the Chief Guests and Dr. Prof. Muhamamd Ameen and Iqbal Arshad were the Guests of Honor. Fr. James Channan was the host. Mr Javed Yad and Shafiq Asif were the compares. Other poets and poetess who recited poems on this occasion included: from Lahore--Ms. Naseen Anjum Bhatti, Ms. Fauzia Mughal, Javed Siddique Bhatti, Ms. Kausar Eman, Mr. Rahmat Ali, Dr. Afzal Shaheen; from Sargodha--Mr. Shakir Nazami, from Vehari, Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Ashfaq; from Bahawalpur, Mr. Rashid Tabassum; from Multan--Mr. Raziul Din Razi, Mr. Waseem Mumtaz, Mr. Nadeem Ajmal, Mr. Ayub Sajjid, Mr. Hameed Sahar, Mr. Kiswar Murad, Ms. Gul Nasreen, Mr. Noor Ahmed Ghazi, Mr. Sariq Javed, Mr. Javed Iqbal Hashmi, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed, Fr. Siddique Mark Sunder OP, Mr. Noman Nasir, Mr. Javed Daaniel, Ms. Samar Jahan Ara and Mr. Raza Abbas.
This program was jointly organized by the Pastoral Institute Multan and the United Religions Initiative Pakistan. During this concert a group of 20 young girls and 5 boys sung beautiful peace songs. The International Day of Peace message of Mr. Kofi Anan was read in English and translated into Urdu. All guests were offered delicious supper by the Pastoral Institute and the URI Pakistan. 6. Lahore, Pakistan. Francis Xavier
The Women and Children Development CC arranged a peace festival for the school children on International Day of Peace, September 21st, 2005 at Basharat-E-Ibn-Mariam School in Lahore, Pakistan. We started our day with the prayer for peace and a peace walk, followed by peace speeches by young children, a tableau, peace poems and peace songs. A Peace Pole planting ceremony ended the program.
All the participants were very happy to participate with us on this occasion. The Children were dancing and singing around the Peace Pole. During the walk the children were waving flags of all Countries of the world. Sharp at 12:00 noon we said a prayer in silence for a culture of peace in the world, especially for Iraq, Kashmir, Palestine and rest of the world.
The following organizations were represented in this program.
1. The World Peace Prayer Society
2. Hague Appeal for Peace
3. International Peace Bureau
4. American Clergy Leadership Conference.
5. International Friendship Peace Club.
7. Peace Conference, Lahore. Kazy Javed
The Lahore URI CC organized a Peace Conference at Model Town Park Lahore. The theme of the Conference was “The Importance of World Peace” Mr. Javed Kazy, Executive Member of the Lahore CC, Mr. Saleem Baig, Chaudhary Muhammad Ajma and Dr. Ahmed Saeed were the main speakers. The challenges to the world peace such as terrorism, sharp division among rich and poor, and division among the rich and poor countries was also discussed. The role of religion in promoting world peace was emphasized. In connection with the International Day of Peace Kazy Javed will give a lecture on 25th of September at the same place on the theme of “Pakistan-Israel Relations.” This will be in the line of improving strong tied between both of these countries and to solve all issues through dialogue.
8. Seminar, Gujrat. Zubair Ahmed Farooq
In Gujrat the National Muslim Christian Dialogue CC and Ulama Peace Committee (Religious Leaders Peace Committee) Gujrat organized a peace conference on 21st of September. It was organized at the City Hall in which over 400 people participated. The theme of the conference was “Our Role in Promoting Peace in Pakistan”. Several Muslim and Christian religious leaders delivered speeches on the need and urgency of peace at all levels of our lives in Pakistan. One minute silence was observed and also message of Kofi Annan was read. The chief organizer of this peace conference was Mr. Zubair Ahmed Farooq, Coordinator of the CC.
9. Peace Conference, Gujrat. Rev. George Fatehdin
Yet another program was also organized by the St. Andrew’s URI CC by Rev. George Fatehdin, Coordinator of the CC.
10. Peace Conference, Islamabad. Syed Hasnain Gillani.
In Islamabad, Allama Abual Fateh G. R. Chishti, Coordinator of the Universal Interfaith Peace Organization, Syed Hasnain Gillani, Coordinator, Ibteda Foundation, and Press for Peace CC members from Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, organized a joint Peace Conference at a local hotel. More than 150 persons participated in this conference on September 21st to celebrate the International Day of Peace. In this conference on the theme of “Religions for Peace,” Mr. Mushtaq Victor, Member of the National Assembly Pakistan presided. He highly admired the efforts made by URI to promote understanding and dialogue among the believers of various religions in Pakistan and elsewhere. He also urged all to commit themselves for the cause of peace announced by the United Nations, and reiterated that the government of Pervez Musharraf is totally devoted to establishing peace in Pakistan and is working hard to make Pakistan an enlightened moderate country. Several other speeches were made on peace and our roles in making this vision a reality. One minute of silence was observed and prayers for world peace offered. The message of Kofi Annan was also read.
11. Peace Walk of Children, Rawalpindi, Islamabad.
Mr. Hansain Gillani, Coordinator the Ibteda Foundation CC organized a Peace Walk of children on 25th of September in connection with International Day of Peace. In this extraordinary peace walk more than 400 children of different schools took part. This peace walk form from Shamsabad Square Murree Road to Nawaz Sharif Park. The distance of this walk was one mile. The children were holding play cards in hands with the slogans like May Peace Prevail on Earth. May Peace Prevail in Pakistan. We want peace and not war. Give us books and not bombs. The Nazim (Commissioner) and Naib Nazim (Deputy Commissioner) of Rawalpindi also participated in this walk.
12. Celebration of IDP, Toba Tek Singh. Atif Jamil Pagaan
The United Religions Initiative CC Toba Tek Singh, The Young Christians Workers, and St. Peter’s High School, Teachers Resource Center and Human Development Center organized a joint International Peace Day program in the city. Miss Cecelia Ghani read the peace message prepared by the United Religions Initiative. Several other speakers also address the conference and emphasized urgent need of promoting peace and solidarity in the world. The aims and objective of the URI to promote peace and reconciliation were stressed. The very important role of the UN to establish peace in all countries of the world was also felt as an urgent need and a sign of the time. It was a wonderful program and very much liked by all the participants. The local and national media gave a good coverage to this conference.
13. Seminar, Lahore. Yeul Bhatti
The Tehreek-E-Insantiate (TTI) CC, the Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) and the Eric John Welfare society (EJWS) organized a great seminar event at the Press Club in Lahore on 21.9.2005 AT 5:00 P.M.
Two hundred fifty people participated from the Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Baha’i Communities, including Children of different faiths, (of Peace and Development Foundation), Women and men, and heads of Organizations participated in the Seminar.
The excellent Masters of Ceremony were Mr. Younis Khan, General Secretary of TTI-CC, and Mr. Perwaz Yousaf, General Secretary of EJWS. The program began with interfaith prayers and singing the National Anthem together. After one minute of silence for World Peace Interfaith Prayers were offered.
Mr. Eric John welcomed the Guests, and Children presented the Roses to the distinguished Guests. Fr. Nasir Gulfam presided over the event; the Chief Guest was Major Irfan Gill, Deputy Secretary Department of Aquf Government of Punjab- Pakistan.
Mr. Yuel Bhatti, the Coordinator of TTI-CC and Peace Pal Coordinator of WPPS, presented the UN declaration initiating the International Day of Peace, the URI and the World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS), and acknowledged the local leaders and the efforts of these organizations. He also gave tribute to the president of Pakistan, General Perwaz Mushraf, who is promoting the need of interfaith collaboration towards world Peace both in Pakistan and at the United Nations.
Other addresses were given by Mr. Munwar Chand, Prominent Hindu Leader, Fr.Abid Habib, Peace activist, Dr.Ruyihia Muddfi, a Consultant Gynecologist from the Baha’I community, Rev. Hanook Haq, Moderator of Lahore Presbyterian Church, Mr. Wajhat, Muslim Young Businessman, Mr. Zaffer Sindhu, Councilor – local body, and Dr.Kanwal Feroze, a pioneer member of URI in Pakistan, a prominent Poet and Journalist. They expressed thanks and appreciation for the organizers of the seminar, the value of interfaith dialogue, and illuminated the peacebuilding core of their own faiths.
PEACE SONG
Children of Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) sang a song of Peace beautifully while holding the play cards of Peace & harmony with lighting the candles, led by Miss Previswa. They prepared the Peace tags and hand-made Banner under the supervision of Mrs. Elishba Bhatti.
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE
A small boy, Master Chand, lit the first candle while Mrs. Younis Khan, Mrs. Bhatti and Dr. Ruyihia Muddfi helped the audience light their candles. During the event, PDF children again sung Peace Songs.
 
PEACE POLE
The symbolic Peace Pole Ceremony was held. Mr. Yuel Bhatti explained about the peace pole history, and the dedications of Peace Poles at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore and Pastoral Institute Multan and in different Schools. The Balloons were flown. Special prayers were offered: MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH! MAY PEACE PREVAIL IN IRAQ! MAY PEACE PREVAIL IN PHELSTINE! MAY PEACE PREVAIL IN PAKISTAN!
Major Irfan Gill, (Chief Guest) Deputy Secretary of Aquf Department of the Government of Punjab Pakistan, said that this great event is a milestone event on the World Peace Day 2005 in the Capital of Punjab-Pakistan. He warmly congratulated the Organizers of Seminars wherein all Interfaith Peace builder of all mankind have participated. He expressed appreciation for the effort of Fr. James and Mr. Yuel Bhatti and his team for spreading the Peace through many programs of URI which he has attended, and promised to recommend to the Government the great job done by the URI in Pakistan. It is reality that there is utmost need of World Peace. We all must get to gather for this noble cause. Our President is doing the wonderful work for collaboration of world Peace. His recent address in the UN is historical and appreciated worldwide. There is great need of promoting global peace, respect for humanity, equality, religious freedom of all and rights of women and minorities.
Fr. Nasir Gulfam, (President of the Ceremony) concluded the ceremony by expressing his pleasure in presiding over the seminar, with all speakers giving their views on the world peace in such a fine manner. He much appreciated the efforts of URI-Pakistan and World Peace Prayer Society for their noble work. Peace begins from our inner heart when we throw hate away and accept each other. We strongly condemned terrorism and support the tremendous role of the President of Pakistan against it. He asked that we all stand together to pray for world peace.
CLOSING CEREMONY
The seminar ended with Prayers led by Maulana Khabir Azad, Khateeb Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, for the solidarity of Pakistan, world Peace, Peace in Iraq, Kashmir, Palestine, and all over the world; high tea refreshments were served.
On 22nd September the Seminar received full coverage in all print media.
Manipur, India. Radhamohan Das
Manipur URICC observed the International Day of Peace Vigil September 21st at the Tingkao Ragwang Kulumkai Manipur (India), a worshiping sacred house of an indigenous faith of the Zeliangrong tribe of Manipur.
More than nine diverse religions and spiritual groups of people such as: Tingkao Ragwang Faith, ISKCON Women’s Forum, Buddhists, Bahai Faith, Sikhs, Jains, Meitei indigenous Laininglups of Sanamahi and Ibudhou Pakhangba,devotees of ISKCON, Divine Life and Gita Kendra, SAI and other participated in the IDP Vigil with prayer to the Almighty and devotional songs in praise of Him, for cease-fires and non-violence during the day throughout the world. An All Manipur On-the-Spot Painting Competition on the theme: "Global Community Prayer for Peace" for school children from the Sixth to Eighth Standard was also organized on the same day with distribution of monetary prizes and participation certificates. We will send photos of IDP Vigil celebrations showing the various inter-religious peoples ‘prayer and chanting of holy name of God etc. and painting competition. A press release and article in the context of IDP Vigil were also published in the daily papers to draw the attention of the importance of the IDP Vigil.
Nepal. From the Global Youth Forum CC
Namaste. We are so happy that the good-hearted people like you is interested in the peace poetry that we organized on the International Peace Day. Here are only few poems. We are so sorry that we could not send you all or more poems. Hope you will enjoy them. from Jagannath
My Wish
Every morning I ask and pray,
'My lord, will you fulfill my wish?'
Then I hear a voice say,
'My dear, whatever you wish.' My wish is only peace,
Rather small but long-lasting peace.
My dawn on four feet only gave hope. I could neither work nor widen my scope,
I could only pray to God,
To bring peace; fulfill my wish, my Lord.
The day on two feet is the time to rise,
Time for my dreams to be realised. At my dust on three feet, I can do nothing.
I can only watch from a distance, the rays of light,
Wait for someone to take peace to its height. For if the rays of hope of morning shine.
Would brighten the world to fulfill the wish of mine.
I shall happily summon my night,
To feel the peaceful dark sight.
- Anoj Shah, Class 9, Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal
Today Peace in Nepal
Millions of year has been bone
In search of same peace.
Today peace will establish in Nepal
It is my hope too. Peace can't be bought
Nor be sold peace
Peace can be established there only
Where is love and co-operation between each other Nothing is lacking in Nepal today.
If there is lack that is peace
Actually there is no lack of peace
There is lack of understanding to own.
Nor there is increment in price of peace
Just like human life's major requirement
Here is only the increment in price
Between human and human only.
Mrigendra Byanjankar, Class – 9, Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal
What is Peace?
'Peace' everybody says; "I need peace! I need peace!"
But I am actually confused what it is
Is it the name of a bird which has already vanished from this world?
Is it the name of a thing that has last its existence from this world? Can you say what it is?
I am truly saying I don't know actually what it is
Is it associated with the army or the Maoist?
Or is it associated with the people of different religions?
Can it be related with caste, race or creed?
Is it related with people having different ideas and views?
Please can you tell me what is associated with?
I am truly saying I don't know exactly what it is
My request to all the people of world Please
Please Please stop killing your own brothers and sisters
Please stop hunting people like animals
Please throw down the weapons
And get together
Deepa Bohora, Class – 9, Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal
On 22nd (which was still the 21st in the US), I had a peace meditation at Daegaksa at 5:00-6:00 AM and three meditation classes with total number of 330 students at Joaseonsil of Dongguk University 12:30-3:40 PM. I gave a Dharma lecture to people of the university including 250 professors and officers, 540 students and 15 practitioners at Junggangdang of Dongguk University, 4:00-5:00 PM. The final observation was a peace meditation at Daegaksa, 9:00-10:00 PM.
Assisi, Italy. Yoland Trevino
I felt very honored to represent URI and the indigenous communitiesat a most spectacular and sacred venue in Assisi. It was very interesting to see posters advertizing this event all over the ancient city of Assisi.
- Assisi Festival 2005 X Festival Internazionale per la Pace
- International Peace Festival
- United National Internation Day of Peace
- 60th Anniversary of the UN Assisi, 21-24 September 2005
- United Artist for Peace in Cooperation with International Day of Peace Vigil
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Father Massimiliano Mizzi O F M Delgato Custidiale per I\'Ecumenismo e il Dialogo Assisi Italy
On IDP, September 21, a seminar on the Role of Religions in Peacebuilding was held.
I spoke about URI and what our IDP global activities werefocus on the role of URI and encouraging global activities to celebrate IDP. The other panelist included:
- Padre Massimiliano Mizzi, OFM Conv. Delgato Custodiale per L'Ecumenismo e il Dialogo-Assisi
- Dr. Hans Ulrich Gerber, World Council of Churches General Secreatriat, Director of the Decade to Overcome Violence, Geneva
- Dr. Ariyaratne, President and Founder of the Sarvodaya Sri Lanka (I connected with him as his organization has a CC).
- Brother Bernard Couvillion, Superior-General, Order of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart representing the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue for the Unions of the Superiors General
- Moderator, Dr. George D'Angelo, Founder of IDP Vigil
On the next day, there was a program on the role of religions in conflict zones. The speakers for this event were:
- Greetings by S.E. Mons. Sergio Goretti, Bishop of Assisi
- Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne, founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in Sri Lanka
- Dr. Rabbi Ron Kronish, Secretary General, Israel Interreligious Coordinating Committee
- Mr. Imad Habeeb, activist in Interfaith Programs in Iraq
The Peace Vigil was a 24 hour spiritual observation that began at midnight on September 20th. I was responsible for one of the hours of the Peace Vigil, praying for Peace for USA, Erithria and Ethiopia, in a Catholic church of Saint Mary Maggiore (Xlth, century and the Bishop's residence square).
On my own, I lit candles on behalf of the URI global and the EU success, and had a meditation in Saint Francis Church by the crypt where St. Frances is interred. It was a very powerful experience.
Ayacucho, Peru. Alejandrino and Maria Eugenia The Powerful Spirit of IDP reaches the Andes.
The word was shared--a phone call to Alejandrino--and the word travelled from one village to another. Because someone called and told them about the International Day of Peace in Spanish, the AMARU CC in Ayacucho and the nearby Andes communities of San Martín del Paraiso and Ticlla held their very first celebrations of the IDP this year. They were alone, not in touch with anyone else, yet the message was palpable beyond words—up on the mountains, seeing the stars, they felt connected in a powerful way with the others around the world on September 21st. Parades and recreation activities were held for both children and adults; it was a very good way of “making party.” The URI IDP celebrations were also covered on TV and radio. Ever since the URI Regional Assembly was held in Ayacucho last year, the local media have been keenly interested in AMARU CC activities. On the International Day of Peace, AMARU members went to the radio and TV stations and sang songs together from Catholic, Evangelical, and Indigenous traditions (“Guaino”). Some of their songs were in “Quechua”. They made music together as a way of showing their interreligious practice, and they joined other CCs in the celebration of the International Day of Peace. The people of the TV channel were very happy with the interview they made of them because it was such a practical demonstration of how to live in peace.
We look forward to receiving more details of the IDP celebrations in Peru and the DVD with recorded TV and radio programs.
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