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Augustinians Support International Day of Peace
September 21, 2010

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.

2010 Theme: Peace = Future

“Peace = Future” is the theme of International Day of Peace 2010. This theme focuses on the role of youth in building a peaceful world.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in his message for the 100 day countdown to the Day of peace, beginning June 13, urged young people to plan and take part in projects that will help bring peace to their own neighborhoods, schools and countries.

“Young people already play a crucial role in working for peace. Yet I know they can do even more. So this International Day comes with a challenge for young people everywhere: Expand on your work to build peace. Share your plans and ideas, with creativity and passion. The world’s concerns will soon be in your hands,” Ban said.

Ban noted that the International Day of Peace will come during the U.N. Summit which he has convened to boost progress toward attaining the eight Millennium Development Goals. (Opens new window) Attaining the Goals is an essential step in building a sustainable peace, Ban said.

“As we start the countdown to the International Day of Peace, we recognize two truths: Only in a peaceful environment will young people realize their full potential; and young people have the potential to start building that peaceful world today,” Ban said.

The Augustinian Secretariate 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, and invites all individuals and groups who identify with Augustinian 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

       » Culture of Peace Initiative (Opens new window)
             Bringing forward previously unseen and unheard voices working towards peace

       » Peace = Future: Ban Ki-moon (Opens new window)
             Statement of U.N. Secretary General 100 days before International Day of Peace 2010

       » 100 Day Countdown to International Day of Peace (Opens new window)
             A call to youth to work for peace and development

       » What is the International Day of Peace? (.pdf file - Opens new window)
             Fact sheet from the United Nations     Adobe Reader required - Get free download

Other UN Days Reflect Christian Values

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