Twenty-five years ago, the United Nations adopted September 21 as the date for the International Day of Peace. According to the United Nations General Assembly in 1998,
“Peace is not only the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic and participatory process in which dialogue is promoted and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”
This definition of peace as something positive coincides with our conception of this value, which is often so difficult to achieve in the world. From Scripture, we know that “only in God do we find peace, that Christ is our peace. He is the Lord of peace, not of confusion” (1 Cor 14:33). This is consistent with one of the fundamental values transmitted to us by St. Joaquina: joy.
For the Vedruna community, peace is a clear objective that runs through our entire mission throughout the world. Our fundamental pillars embody the same values that the UN promulgates with respect to peace:
- Healing: to respect and defend life
- Educate: to encourage non-violence, peaceful conflict resolution, dialogue and cooperation
- Liberate: by defending justice, solidarity, tolerance, cultural diversity, thus protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms
As the defense of peace is also a joyful celebration, we share a song to inspire the celebration of this day:
We are the new seed of the future, of life.
We are the children who sing for peace and hope.
We are the new seed of the future, of life.
We are the children who sing for peace and hope.
Give me your hand, let’s all dream of peace.
Give me your hand, let’s all dream of peace.
Peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace!
Peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, peace!
