International Peace Day Message at Marian Academy Peace Ceremony

Sister Marie Harper, O.S.U.,

Sister Shelly Jhetoo, O.S.U.,

Teachers and staff of Marian Academy,

Students,

Good morning.

Thank you for the invitation to once again commemorate International Day of Peace with you. This has become quite a tradition! One that I am happy to embrace! I recall being here last year in the height of the pandemic when only a few of you were present. Today, I am thrilled to see a full auditorium of children as we observe this day.

I am touched, again, by the spirit in this room. The enthusiasm and sparkle in the eyes of each and every one of you are a beacon for hope for the message of peace. I applaud the leadership of Sisters Marie and Shelly for the thoughtful words of and prayers for peace that we’ve listened to. You have all been more eloquent and powerful than any words of peace I could deliver. Thank you!

Today, I bring to you greetings of the UN Secretary General who, as we stand here today, is convening with world leaders at the UN General Assembly.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace is ‘End Racism, Build Peace.’ Recognizing that true peace entails much more than laying down arms, the United Nations which I proudly represent, calls for the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. Peace therefore involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.

Today, as I listen to you, both your statements and your prayers, I see anti-racism in practice through education. Thank you.

If racism “robs people of their human rights and dignity” by creating unequalness and pushing people apart, we need more togetherness to rebuild and repair and to reconnect with another. I see today in your songs and words, that as students of Marian Academy you are putting your learnings from your weekly Moral Education classes to work by celebrating our one human family.  Congratulations.  

For that kind of coming together, for that kind of togetherness of our “one human family,” respecting the human rights of everyone and everywhere is essential. Think about it: in your homes, while at school, and everywhere that you go, when, for example, you have different opinions from others. You do not use words of hate towards others to voice your differing opinions. You try to listen, to learn, to hear and then to speak with mutual respect. When one of us is hurt, you don’t leave them behind. I know that many of you are at an age where bullying and cyberbullying can affect you or someone you know. If ever you encounter such bullying, you stand up for each other so that you all can feel safe at school, in your homes, and in your communities. In your acts of kindness towards each other, you are embracing indeed the messages of peace, of our shared humanity. And for that I thank you.

Right after this, I will be heading to another commemoration of World Peace Day with the University of Guyana entitled the “Vocabularies of Peace” because using the right words matter. I am so sure that by the time you are all university age, you will have prepared so well that each one of you will be the actor, leader of peace in your communities.

I’ll be leaving with Sisters Marie and Shelly a copy of a “game” on Acts of Random Kindness (ARKs). Hope you play that game. I’d love to reconnect with you next year to see how that worked on this peace day and every day!

Once again thank you to Marian Academy, to Sisters Marie and Shelly for an excellent organization and for associating us in this wonderful day of celebration.