THE
PHILIPPINES
(2004
World Peace Prayer Society Report)
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE-PHILIPPINES
TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 21, 2004
24
HOURS FOR PEACE was the theme of the IDP celebrations in the Philippines which the Peacemakers' Circle in association with the Association
of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) and Justice,
Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC) and their mission
partners organized to commemorate the IDP.
For 24 hours we dared each person, home, place of worship, community,
workplace wherever anyone was, to make an effort to stop every thought
and act that was unkind, hostile, violent and evil. For at least 24
hours we would make ourselves aware of the violent conflicts that
are already present in the world. For 24 hours we would try… see …and know… that Peace is not only possible,
peace is necessary!
A
celebration program was also organized in the afternoon at the “Liwasang
Aurora” within the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.
Despite the intermittent rains, around 400 people from diverse faith
traditions and walks of life turned up to join the celebrations which
commenced at 2.30 pm with lilting music of the flute and traditional
instruments and an ethnic ritual to invoke peace in the four elements.
Prayers for peace from different faith traditions followed. All nations
were also blessed by the World Peace Prayer Society with a colorful
display of the flags of the various nations, and a Peace Pole was
on the stage.
The President of the Quezon City Parks Development
Foundation, Inc. Atty. Charito Planas welcomed all to the Circle and
complimented us on the undertaking. Sr. Estella Cordero, FdCC. gave
the introductory remarks after which the message of the UN Secretary
General was read out.
Colorful and creative presentations
from youths of different cause-oriented groups highlighted the plight
of the poor, and challenges paused by degradation of the environment,
terrorism and violence. Also remembering the martial law period in
the Philippines whose declaration in 1972 by President Marcos falls on this same
day.
A Statement of Unity calling on
all people and nations to forge lasting peace with justice was read
out by interfaith representatives and endorsed by those present. Three
doves were joyfully released in to the sky to symbolize the call for
peace.
The highlight of the evening was the
lighting of candles for peace and a walk around the Circle. The procession
aroused the curiosity of the motorists and commuters, many of whom
cheered, waved, and showed their support. The leading TV channels
covered the event in their news bulletins.
The event ended with interfaith
representatives leading all in the Peacemakers’ Circle prayer and
singing of “Let there be peace on earth” and a call to everyone to
continue to build peace in our families, communities, countries and
the world. It was a touching and memorable celebration of solidarity
that will continue motivating us in our efforts for peace building.
MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH!
2004
World Peace Prayer Society Compilation
PICTORAL
ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS PEACE DAY EVENTS
May
Peace Prevail
On Earth
