Celebrating the Success of Youth Liturgy for World Peace 21st September 2018

On the United Nations day of peace 2018 Peace Mala held a Youth Liturgy for World Peace at St David’s Church, Neath. We were joined by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Wales, John D E Davies, along with local dignitaries, 11 Primary Schools, 9 representatives of various faiths. Together we stood in unity against religious intolerance, racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, bigotry, prejudice and bullying of all kinds. We are very grateful to the benefice of Neath in the Diocese of Llandaff for welcoming us on this occasion.

Watch the video highlights here! https://youtu.be/wQ7CTQGrMsw

Faith Representatives and Pam Evans gathered after the Liturgy

Phra Aren Abhipasanno shares his impressions of the day,

“…we were treated to readings and beautiful singing from school children of all races, faiths and social backgrounds. It was very touching and many of us were fighting back the tears at seeing and hearing such young people express a heartfelt desire to see peace, love and tolerance being practiced in society and in our world.”

Representatives from all the different faiths gathered entered the church in procession, entering together and sitting side by side in a true sign of community and peace. The liturgy began with words of welcome by Reverend Lynda Newman of the Rectorial Benefice of Neath the Peace Mala prayer for World Peace was recited. Jennifer Davies of Christchurch Primary School shared an excerpt from the Old Testament followed by a a beautiful rendition of ‘You are my brother,’ sung by students of Catwg Primary School. Hassan Miah from Hafod Primary School recited the Koran’s Ayat ul-Kursi, before students of Alderman Davies and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Clydach shared the peace messages of the faiths represented on the Peace Mala bracelet.

The liturgy reached an inspirational high when children of all schools came together to sing the Peace Mala anthem, ‘One Light,’ composed by Lee Michael Walton, with lead vocals by Brad Jones of Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera Primary School. Lee himself traveled from London to be with us and delighted us all with his musical talents on the piano and organ.

To close the liturgy Father Neil Evans shared the Peace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi and students of Penllergaer Primary School sang Gary Barlow’s ‘Sing’. All of this wonderful singing during the liturgy was linking up with One Day One Choir (International global choral project for peace). The Archbishop John Davies shared a final prayer and blessing before the faith representatives recessed from the Church

We offer warm thanks to all schools, dignitaries and faith representatives who were involved, with special gratitude to Reverend Lynda Newman and the staff of St David’s Church for their kind support and help.

Now Peace Mala are very much looking forward to the next Inter-Faith Liturgy for World Peace, to be hosted in Brecon Cathedral 16th September 2019. If you want to be involved in this event please let us know via phone or email so that we can reserve your place inside the Cathedral.

Peace Mala Office Phone: 01792 774225

Peace Mala Email: info@peacemala.org.uk

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