Augustinians Support International Day of Peace: September 21, 2016
The Augustinian Commission for Justice and Peace encourages Augustinian schools, parishes, and communities to observe International Day of Peace, September 21, 2016, with learning, prayer and other actions to promote peace, and invites all who identify with Augustinian spirituality to do likewise.
The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1981 that each September a “Day of Peace” shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. This Day is now celebrated every September 21.
A group of persons representing a wide variety of Christian and other religious and spiritual traditions is promoting an International Day of Peace Vigil "in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals and by all men and women who seek peace in the world."
This global 24-hour Vigil is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual observances in promoting justice, achieving peace and preventing violent conflict.
2016 Theme: ‘Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace’
“Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace” is the theme of International Day of Peace 2016.
The 193 Member States of the United Nations unanimously adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. These goals aim at developing justice for all persons and thus achieving peace everywhere.
Pope Paul VI observed that the Bible says, “Justice will bring about peace." (Isaiah 32:17) He rephrased this thought in more dynamic terms, "If you want peace, work for justice." (Day of Peace Message, 1972)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “This year’s theme – the Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace – highlights how ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring broadly shared prosperity all contribute to global harmony. When we all work together, we can make peace possible, starting with 24 hours of peace on September 21.”
Augustinians invite you to join us in learning more about the Sustainable Development Goals, praying for peace and working for justice.
“Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the sons and daughters of God.”
