Classroom Prayers for Peace World Day of Peace 2017

Around this time Pope Francis asks us to pray in a special way for peace in our world. This year he invites us to think about how nonviolent ways can be used to resolve conflict in our homes, school, communities, and in the wider world.

Pope Francis to the UN General Assembly, September 2015 “War is the negation of all rights and a dramatic assault on the environment. If we want true integral human development for all, we must work tirelessly to avoid war between nations and peoples.” Pope Francis to the UN General Assembly, September 2015 “Here we have to ask ourselves: Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood.” Pope Francis to US Congress, September 2015 “We never tire of repeating that the name of God cannot be used to justify violence. Peace alone, and not war, is holy!” Pope Francis in Assisi, September 2016

Pope Francis to Young People – Krakow 2016 “Today’s world demands that you be a protagonist of history because life is always beautiful when we choose to live it fully, when we choose to leave a mark” “The Lord wants to work one of the greatest miracles we can experience; he wants to turn your hands, my hands, our hands, into signs of reconciliation, of communion, of creation” Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service “He wants your hands to continue building the world of today. And he wants to build that world with you.” Pope Francis to Young People – Krakow 2016

What can I do?

What can I do? Play Film

How can I be a hummingbird? How can I do my bit? How can I work for peace?

What one thing can I do for peace? Think… What one thing can I do for peace?

Let us pray… Lord God of love, You created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace. Enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. We pray through Christ our Lord Amen Prayer of Pope Francis, Holy Land, May 2014 (adapted)