Home > Justice & Peace > Other Augustinian Actions > International Day of Peace

Augustinians Support International Day of Peace
September 21, 2007

Prayer Power for Peace

The international Augustinian Secretariate for Justice and Peace is joining with other religious organizations from around the world to promote the International Day of Peace each September 21.

The United Nations unanimously passed a resolution designating September 21 of each year as an International Day of Peace.

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 peace and preventing violent conflict.

U. N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in his August 29, 2007 message for the International Day of Peace, called peace "one of humanity's most precious needs." He asked people everywhere to observe a minute of silence at noon local time September 21. This minute of silence will provide an excellent opportunity for persons of faith to offer to God a prayer for peace.

“On this International Day, let us promise to make peace not just a priority, but a passion. Let us pledge to do more, wherever we are in whatever way we can, to make every day a day of peace,” Ban said.

The Augustinian Secretariate for Justice and Peace urges each Augustinian community and ministry to plan some observance of the International Day of Peace, and encourages all individuals and groups who identify with Augsutinian spirituality to do likewise.

International Day of Peace Prayer

       » International Day of Peace Prayer Service
             Suggested Augustinian prayers from International Justice and Peace Secretariate, Rome

Additional Resources

       » International Day of Peace Vigil (Opens new window)
             Demonstrate the power of prayer: Join this 24-hour spiritual observance for peace

       » The International Day of Peace (Opens new window)
             What it is, why it is, and how you can get involved

       » Take the Peace Pledge (Opens new window)
             Read the Pledge and add your signature online

       » Peace - One of Humanity's Most Precious Needs (Opens new window)
             Statement of U.N. Secretary General for International Day of Peace 2007

       » What is the International Day of Peace? (.pdf file - Opens new window)
             Fact sheet from the United Nations

Other UN Days Reflect Christian Values

      » Augustinians Support International Days
             Seven U.N. Days reflect Catholic Christian values