“Peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs. It is also the United Nations’ highest calling.” (United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon)
The International Day of Peace, was established by the U.N. resolution in 1981. In 2002, September 21st was declared the permanent annual date for "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples".
This year, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will use this important day to ask governments and citizens of the world to focus on the important issues of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”
“International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal as well as political. It is an opportunity to make peace in our own relationships. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind!” (taken from the United Nations website)
We are reminded of the words of Jesus: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
The International Day of Peace, was established by the U.N. resolution in 1981. In 2002, September 21st was declared the permanent annual date for "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples".
This year, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will use this important day to ask governments and citizens of the world to focus on the important issues of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”
“International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal as well as political. It is an opportunity to make peace in our own relationships. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind!” (taken from the United Nations website)
We are reminded of the words of Jesus: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Therefore, with the attitudes and values of Jesus, how can we be instruments of peace in our family, community, work environment, Church . . .?
Sr. Patricia O'Neill SNJM
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In Montreal, our Mayer, at 11:45, to day, asked for one minute of silence to join all those who want peace on earth.
Thanks for joining your effort and your prayers!
I remember when we went to the UN we saw that rifle that had been turned into a guitar? Then yesterday I saw a dove pendant that was made from bomb casings. Reminds me of the scripture about turning our weapons into plough shares.
“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.” R. Fulghum.
This is what each of us is called to each moment of our lives.
Thank your for reminding us.
Mary Moss
I believe a day dedicated to peace can make a difference in the world if it moves us as individuals to take even one small step towards our own personal transformation. Thich Nhat Hanh develops this conviction about internal transformation in his book
Peace Is Every Step. I quote from the Dalai Lama’s Foreword to this book.
"Although attempting to bring about world peace trough the internal transformation of individuals is difficult, it is the only way. Wherever I go, I express this, and I am encouraged that people from many different walks of life receive it well. Peace must be developed first within an individual. And I believe that love, compassion, and altruism are the fundamental basis for peace. Once these qualities are developed within an individual, he or she is then able to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. This atmosphere can be expanded and extended from the individual to his/her family, from the family to the community and eventually to the whole world.
Peace Is Every Step is a guidebook for a journey in exactly this direction. … This is a very worthwhile book. It can change individual lives and the life of our society.”
The Dalai Lama's words,"Peace must be developed first within an individual. And I believe that love, compassion, and altruism are the fundamental basis for peace" certainly challenges us to look within and through self-reflection discover where we are not in right relationship with ourselves,with others, with God and to do something about it.
I am now encouraged to read: "Peace Is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Dear Pat, here is an article I came across that I thought would be of interest: you can find it at
http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/index.html
To be read nationwide on October 4th 2009
as part of the movement of
Sisters In Spirit vigils.
The violence experienced by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. The disappearance and murder of our Aboriginal sisters is felt nationwide, with countless First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities grappling with the loss of a loved one and struggling to find answers. We are speaking out, as individuals and organizations, because we believe this violence should be of urgent concern to everyone in Canada. More than that, this concern must lead to action—action to ensure that the rights and safety of Aboriginal sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmothers are respected and protected.
October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. The Sisters In Spirit movement began with the courage, strength and love of families. We must take the time to give thanks to these families who are our inspiration and the reason we all continue to demand action. Many of them are here with us today and we thank them for sharing their stories. There are more than 520 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in this country. Each one of these women is loved and missed terribly by their family, friends and community. Their loss is our loss. Their grief is our grief. Together we demand action.
Across Canada, there are countless individuals who dedicate their professional and personal lives to the betterment of Aboriginal women and girls. Some of us are community workers, service providers or teachers. Others are policymakers, leaders and funders. Each of us plays a role in ensuring that Aboriginal women and girls receive the support and protection they need to live in safety. The positive initiatives that have been
Head Office, Six Nations of the Grand River, P.O. Box 331, 1721 Chiefswood Road, 1st Floor, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1MO
Telephone 519-445-0990, Facsimile 519-445-0924
Satellite Office, 1292 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 3A9,
Telephone 613.722.3033, Facsimile 613.722.7687 Toll Free 1.800.461.4043
taken at the community and local level tell us that the public has the will to stop this violence and that solutions can be found.
However, much more needs to be done. Aboriginal women face disproportionate levels and severe forms of violence no matter where they live in Canada. There can be no piecemeal solution to a problem of this scale. Therefore, we are calling on all levels of government to work with Aboriginal women, including the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and other key stakeholders, collaboratively on issues of justice, safety, economic security and the well-being of Aboriginal women and girls. We call for a national plan of action that:
Recognizes the violence faced by Aboriginal women because they are Aboriginal and because they are women,
Ensures effective and unbiased police response through appropriate training, resources and coordination,
Improves public awareness and accountability through the consistent collection and publication of comprehensive national statistics on rates of violent crime against Aboriginal women,.
Reduces the risk to Aboriginal women by closing the economic and social gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada; and,
Improves the child welfare system.
We are ready to start this very important work.
This Joint Statement is supported by:
Amnesty International Canada
Assembly of First Nations
Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies
Canadian Federation of Students
The Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA)
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Métis National Council
National Association of Friendship Centres
New Democratic Party of Canada Federal Caucus
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