Happy Peace Day! International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. Join us in working for peace, being peace. Maryknoll missioners work for peace by living the practice of nonviolence in some of the darkest corners of the world.
Here are some ideas of things you can do individually or as a small group on International Day of Peace.
- Observe a minute of silence at Noon wherever you are.
- Share this prayer "A call to prayer and solidarity" from the Nonviolence and Just Peace conference.
- Add your name as a supporter of the "Appeal to the Catholic Church to re-commit to the centrality of Gospel nonviolence" from the Nonviolence and Just Peace conference.
- Hold a prayer vigil for disarmament and light a candle with some friends or neighbors.
- Organize a prayer service with the theme "Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace."
- Imagine something you could do to help make for a more peaceful world… and then do it.
- Learn or retell the story of Sadako Sasaki and her One Thousand Paper Cranes and fold a paper crane in her memory.
- Construct a Peace Pole. A Peace Pole is a monument that displays the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” usually in a different language on each side.
- Share a version of the “Golden Rule“ in a faith tradition other than your own.
- Learn about Maryknoll Sisters Giang Nguyen, Sia Temu and Teresa Hougnon and their "peace building team" in Kenya.
- Display a peace flag that helps you imagine a community and world at peace.
- Learn to say and write the word for “peace” in another language.
- Play a cooperative game with children at Little Friends for Peace.
- Play a game at trainingforchange.org.
- Since this day is also a “day of ceasefire”, try making peace with someone you have a conflict.
- Go to Campaign Nonviolence Week of Action to find an event happening in your area.