Augustinians support International Day of Peace: September 21, 2013
Education for Peace
September 21, 2013 is the 32nd anniversary of the International Day of Peace. 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.
Initially the date of the Day of Peace varied, as it was observed on the opening day of the U. N. General Assembly. The U. N. in 2002 unanimously passed a resolution permanently designating September 21 of each year as the International Day of Peace.
A group of persons representing a wide variety of Christian and other religious and spiritual traditions is promoting anInternational 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 peace and preventing violent conflict.
2013 Theme: ‘Education for Peace’
“Education for Peace” is the theme of International Day of Peace 2013. Day of Peace 2013 provided an opportunity to examine the role that education can play in reducing violence and promoting a peaceful environment.
“It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies” U.N. Secretary- Ban Ki-moon said in his message for the 100-day countdown to the Day of Peace.
Ban urged everyone - governments, religious and civil organizations, community leaders, educators, parties to conflict - to play a part: "...let us resolve to learn together how to create a universal culture of peace,” he said.
The Augustinian Commission for Justice and Peace encourages each Augustinian community and ministry to plan activities such as prayer, education, or action for peace in observance of the International Day of Peace. The commission invites all individuals and groups who identify with Augustinian spirituality to do likewise. The commission also recommends that Augustinian schools and parishes examine their own educational activities to see how they can better contribute to a culture of peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakes; they shall be called the sons and daughters of God.”
