May peace prevail
Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the International Day of Peace is commemorated across the globe on September 21. Since its inception, International Day of Peace has marked both personal and communal progress toward peace. Anyone, anywhere, can celebrate International Day of Peace. It is as simple as observing a moment of silence at noon or participating in a community event.
Around the world, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) celebrate the International Day of Peace in a variety of ways that reflect their commitment to peace and nonviolence through how they live, pray, educate, give public witness and engage in various ministries. SSND often address concerns through peaceful and non-violent means. In January 2006, the congregation initiated a perpetual prayer for peace, which continues today; each location is asked to select a specific day and time weekly. For example, sisters in St. Louis have been assigned to pray for peace Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Many SSND campuses and ministries have peace poles. A peace pole is a handcrafted monument that displays the message and prayer, May Peace Prevail on Earth, on each of its sides, usually in different languages. There are more than 200,000 peace poles in 180 countries. They serve as constant reminders to visualize and pray for world peace. This idea began with Masahisa Goi after World War II and the dropping of the atomic bombs. Mr. Goi came to understand that words, thoughts and intentions carry energy strong enough to influence the destiny of all living beings. By speaking, acting and living in the spirit of the prayer, May Peace Prevail on Earth, the energy field of love and harmony would radiate forth to all of creation.
For International Day of Peace, sisters around the Central Pacific Province do different activities to celebrate. For example at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, sisters observe the day with a special event held around the peace pole located on the front lawn of the campus. Sisters are joined by associates, staff, volunteers, community members, and students and teachers from Catholic schools in the area. The event begins with a procession of students carrying various colored candles, each symbolizing a continent of the world. Prayers for peace are offered through reflections written and read by students.
Join SSND every day, in celebrating peace and nonviolence. Ask yourself, “What will I do to promote peace today, so that the world can be transformed tomorrow?” Together, let us recommit ourselves to the work of transformation as stated in the SSND constitution You Are Sent, “to be transformed and to transform our world, bringing all to that oneness for which Jesus Christ was sent.” (YAS, C 48) For International Day of Peace at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, sisters observe the day with a special event held around the peace pole located on the front lawn of the campus. Sisters are joined by associates, staff, volunteers, community members, and students and teachers from Catholic schools in the area. The event begins with a procession of students carrying various colored candles, each symbolizing a continent of the world. Prayers for peace are offered through reflections written and read by students.