September 21, 2022
The Interfaith Peace Project has observed this year’s International Day of Peace by sending out a reflection each day from September 10 through September 21. Today is the final reflection. A huge thank you to Randy Thomas for his work on these reflections! If you missed any reflections, you will find them on our website: interfaithpeaceproject.org.
May Peace Prevail on Earth!!
We will continue our ongoing observance of the International Day after September 21, by sending out a reflection on the twenty-first of every month. We invite you to share in this effort by sending any articles or information that you would like to share to:
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P
[email protected]
925-787-9279
CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
SEPTEMBER 10 – 21, 2022
Betty Williams
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 1976
Northern Ireland
Profile
Betty Williams was a peace activist and a devoted advocate for promoting the protection and care of children worldwide, particularly during war and conflict. In 1976 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Mairead Corrigan for efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. Betty was drawn into the heart of the violence in Northern Ireland when she witnessed the death of three children run down by a car driven by an Irish Republican Army soldier. She had just turned the corner to her home when she saw the three children crushed by the swerving car. Betty was so moved by the incident that within two days, she went door to door, collecting 6,000 signatures on a petition for peace. She gained widespread media attention, and soon thereafter, Betty organized a peace march to the graves of the slain children attended by 10,000 Protestant and Catholic women.
The peaceful march was violently disrupted by IRA members accusing them of being complicit with the British. However, a week later, Betty led another march. This time 20,000 participants marched without incident. Along with Mairead Corrigan and Ciaran McKowan, she founded the Community of Peace People. Betty also headed the Global Children’s Foundation and was President of the World Centre of Compassion for Children International. She lectured worldwide on peace, education, inter-cultural and inter-faith understanding, anti-extremism, and children’s rights.
Betty’s Words of Wisdom
“Peace in the World is everybody’s business, no matter where you live or what you do. The voice of women has a special role and special soul force in the struggle for a non-violent world. I always say that non-violence is not a weapon of the weak. It is the weapon of the strong.”
To view the video of Betty Williams’ Interview
Nobel Prize Winner 1978 on youtube click here or go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW-S9eL4gao
and another video of her work at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zskMUXYGaY
Reflection
If you need an incentive to advocate for peace, look into the eyes of every child you meet. Today I will look for the children whose eyes invite me to discover the peace within my heart, longing to bless the children of the World.
I will seek a quiet moment to welcome The International Day of Peace. I pledge to make every day a peaceful day.
Bless the children who bless us.
SOURCES
Randy Thomas
Wikipedia
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