International Day of Prayer of Peace

Rome, 04/06/2007

“…Last summer, at the International Symposium of Young Lasallians (ISYL), Young Lasallians (YL) from all over the world came together for more than a week. During this time they discussed the importance of dialogue and getting together. A common feeling about the importance of supporting one another in our mission was very strongly shared. In different parts of the world, among the poor and the young there are fellow Lasallians and others suffering and denied of their basic rights. At ISYL’06 delegates asked one another if we were able to do something about it. As our motto during ISYL’06 stated, we all believed it is a “Mission Possible.”

Those days were characterized by strong positions by the delegates in favour of international days of sharing and prayers. Delegates also called more than once for response to worldwide issues through uniting activities on specific themes for Lasallian youth from around the world. It was believed that these responses and international Lasallian campaigns would also facilitate and strengthen connections between Regions.

The International Council of Young Lasallians (ICYL) is therefore inviting all Young Lasallians coming from the various Districts and Regions to come together for an International Lasallian Day of Prayers for Peace. YL are being encouraged to, in their own school, group or district, and in their own way, show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are in areas of conflict and who are suffering unjustly. This project should be taken up in unison by as many Young Lasallian movements, Districts and Regions as possible as ONE International Lasallian Community during the 3^rd week of October…”

Dear friends,

Here in Malaysia we would like to heed the above call for solidarity by playing our own small part. La Salle Centre, in collaboration with the Malaysian Lasallian Youth Commission, invites all of you to join us in a nationwide, month-long Lasallian initiative to show our support towards a movement of peace.

21^st September 2007 is the United Nations’ sanctioned International Day of Peace. Starting September 21^st, we invite you to come up with ways to be part of this worldwide prayer for peace, together with our Lasallian brothers and sisters from all over. For one month, we invite you to live a simpler less-lavish life, maybe cut down on movies or dining out, or SMSes or even take up fasting for a day or two together with our Muslim friends.

The money we would have otherwise spent would be collected and channeled to a peace initiative like Mercy Malaysia to help further their efforts in bringing hope and peace to troubled areas. Whatever simple act you choose is fine, as long as it’s sincere and comes from the heart.

The culmination of this one month, 20^th October, will see Lasallians coming together for an inter-religious gathering in their respective regions all over the country, to celebrate our hopes and prayers for peace of the world. At this gathering, you can choose to perform a symbolic act, like paint a mural or light candles or write letters to Heads of States, in solidarity with people all over the world who do not get to enjoy peace like we do. We will send out more details about this gathering soon.

We hope for your support in realising this month-long initiative. Let us play what small role we can and contribute to the universal prayer for peace. We would love to hear your thoughts and sharings and please do spread the word, and let your friends know.

DATE : 20TH OCTOBER 2007, SATURDAY

VENUE : TAN SRI WILLIAM TAN AUDITORIUM, ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL

TIME: 7:45 PM

Itinerary: We will do a symbolic act with all those who come and reflect on our lives as well as see what we can do or change in our lives to help others who are less fortunate than us. Please do come!

Thank you and Salam La Salle