PRINCE FREDERICK --- On
September 23rd, 2007, approximately 121 people
assembled in Prince Frederick to affirm their dedication to a
non-violent lifestyle and a routine of peaceful practices.
Small groups ranging from
20-30 folks gathered at various points near Main Street, mostly
churches, mosques and temples, and then walked together singing
hymns and songs of peace while enjoying their time with one
another, on this most beautiful of early fall days. The groups
converged in front of the Courthouse, and as they entered the
courtyard, young women from a local scout troop offered each
person a bracelet woven of multi-colored yarn, along with
printed programs for the day’s event.
This was a meeting of the
peace-makers, and the theme of the day’s event was “Weave Us
Together.”
Several leaders of local
faith and spiritual practice groups were present and each, in
turn, led the assembly in prayers of hope for all the creatures
that live in this place that we call “Earth.” Several different
religions, philosophical ideals and ethnicities were there,
however, on this day, all participated as one united
fellowship. The particulars, such as individual denominations
and race, were just that, particulars, and became lost in the
general and overall diversity of the whole. Diversity was the
key ingredient of this glorious autumn day.
Together, the people
lifted their voices in song and prayer. Together, they laughed
and danced, offered signs of peace to one another, and sent
forth spiritual offerings of reconciliation and love to all
humanity, and all that share the planet.
This writer wondered why
all of the local churches were not represented, but left with
the hope that more would attend next year, and add to the hope
and joyous celebration that these fine folks, the peace-makers,
shared and spread on this International Day of Peace.
The assembly performed a
dance with newly found partners. The dance integrated the use
of sign language gestures, as the partners spread peace above,
below, and all around each other.
The gathering culminated
with the release of several white doves, symbolizing the group’s
desire to spread peace, without prejudice, to all points of the
Earth.
This program was
sponsored by the Calvert Interfaith Council, an unincorporated
association of clergy and lay representatives from different
congregations or houses of worship in Calvert County.
The writer of this short
article is an active member of Veterans for Peace, the Southern
Maryland Peace Group, and the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of the Chesapeake. This article was written in
very joyful remembrance of Pauline Michlewski, a care-giver and
peace-maker who is terribly missed by many.
