What's Up & Coming

Youth-led World Peace Day celebration in Manila
On September 21, 2009 Manila joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day of Peace. The celebration this year was extra special because it was organized and led by the youth! Read more...




The Peacemakers’ Circle Month-long Program for the Month of Peace 2009

Calendar of Events

a. Aug. 14th (Fri), 7pm-1am – Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage (Sacred Site Visit) to Sri Radha Madhava Center (Makati City) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)/Hare Krishna for the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebration

b. Aug. 22nd (Sat), 2-5pm – Youth for Unity (Y4U) interfaith encounter with youths of the Archdiocese of Hamburg c/o the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences @The Peacemakers’ Circle Office

c. Aug. 29th (Sat) 6-8pm – Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage (Sacred Site Visit) to the Phil. Tibetan Nyingma Palyul Buddhist Center (700 Pinya Ave., Sta. Mesa, Manila) for the Hundred Deities Puja/Ceremony


d. Sept. 1st (Tue), 7am-12nn – Interfaith Prayers participation in the launching program for the Peace-consciousness month of September by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) @ Quezon Memorial Circle Peace Bell, QC

e. Sept. 2nd (Wed), 5pm – Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage (Sacred Site Visit) to the Manila Sikh Gurudwara/temple (UN Ave., Paco, Manila)


f. Sept. 3rd (Thu), 7pm-9pm - participation in Brahma Kumaris talk on "The Silence of the Mind" by BK Jayanti @ Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City


g. Sept. 8th (Tue), 6:30pm-8pm – Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage (Sacred Site Visit) to Our Lady of Pentecost Catholic Parish (C. Salvador cor. F. Dela Rosa Sts., Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, QC) for Feast of St. Mary


h. Sept. 15th (Tue), 9am-12nn – Talk on Freedom of Religion, Apostasy & Islam by Prof. Abdullah Saeed of Australia (in cooperation with the Australian Embassy) at Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, Quezon City.

i. Sept. 19th (Sat), 9am-9pm – Interfaith Prayers participation in DIWANG ILOG PASIG: DALOY, BUHAY AT PAG-IBIG spirituality & arts gathering for reviving Pasig River @ Makati Riverside Park, West Rembo c/o IAM, Inc. & partners

j. Sept. 21st (Mon), 9am-12nn – PEACE ONE DAY (International Day of Peace 2009) celebration with GZO Generation Peace youth network & peace partners @Quezon Memorial Circle, QC

k. Sept. 22nd (Tue), 6pm- 10pm – Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage (Sacred Site Visit) to the Hindu Temple (Paco, Manila) for Navratri Festival

l. Sept. 26th (Sat), 6pm - 27th (Sun), 7am – Interfaith Prayers participation in EARTH DANCE Global 2009 @ La Mesa Eco Park, Fairview, QC

Contact us if you want to participate! (Landline: (02) 920-7622 / Mobile: 0918-7822805 / 0906-3286441 / mailto:peacemakerscircle_uri@yahoo.com

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More news & events...

PCFI leads interfaith prayers @ OPAPP launch for Peace Month
On September 1, 2009 (Tuesday) The Peacemakers' Circle facilitated the multifaith prayers that started the program launching the Peace Consciousness Month 2009 organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), held at the Peace Bell area of the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Y4U Interfaith Encounter with German Youths of the Archdiocese of Hamburg
On August 22nd (Saturday) about 25 German youths and representatives from the Archdiocese of Hamburg-- along with their Filipino hosts from the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference (FABC) youth desk-- visited The Peacemakers' Circle (PCFI) office and had an interfaith encounter with 11 members of the Y4U (Youth for Unity) circle. Read more & see photos

Peacemakers participate in Mindanao Peoples' Peace Agenda consultation meeting

On August 20th (Thursday) the Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN) & the Mindanao Peaceweavers network conducted a consultation meeting among Metro Manila-based peace advocates at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani monument. Around 40 representatives from different NGO's, academe, and community organizations participated. Read more...

PCFI Launches Visits to Sacred Sites and Festival Celebrations for Peace month

The Peacemakers Circle is hosting a series of visits and faith observances together with partner religious organizations and groups leading up to September 21 as part of its cause to promote peace through interfaith dialogue and understanding. To launch this project, members celebrated Krishna Janmashtami with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) last Friday, August 14. Read more...

Engaging the moral imagination in finding ways of transcending cycles of violence in Mindanao
An overview and report on the URI Moral Imagination and Peacebuilding initiatives in SEAPac by Marites Guingona-Africa

For the first time since its eight years of engagement in the field, The Peacemakers' Circle reached out beyond the environs of Metro Manila to engage in consultation with representatives of organizations and institutions based in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao to explore the possibility of engaging in a long-term and sustainable action-reflection collaborative work with them. The aim was to train a team of grassroots leaders from conflict-affected areas (who will meet once in every 3-4 months within a span of two years) in an action-reflection program that will build their capacities to promote moral imagination approaches to healing memories of violence and war (among themselves and members of their respective communities) , grassroots interfaith dialogue and relationship- building, and community development and peacebuilding in their respective conflict areas in Mindanao, southern Philippines. Read more...

Peacemakers Y4U visit Shumei : Farming to Create a Heaven on Earth

In line with the World Environment Day (June 5) the Y4U: Youth for Unity group of the Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. turned its focus on the growing environmental problems, climate change, food shortages, and increasing poverty in the World. A visit was organized to the Shumei (a Japanese spiritual movement) center to learn about their practice of natural agriculture. However, the visit to the center at Valencia Hills Condominium, Quezon City did not materialize until June 25, 2009 (Saturday)... Read full text & more photos

Peacemakers celebrate URI 9th Anniversary with interfaith leaders

The Peacemakers' Circle -- a Cooperation Circle or CC of the United Religions Inititative (URI)-- in partnership with the URI Southeast Asia-Pacific regional office had a beautiful gathering with interfaith leaders and friends on June 25 entitled People for Peace in celebration of URI's 9th Anniversary of its Charter-signing. Around 24 interfaith leaders and representatives braved the Manila typhoon signal warning to grace us their presence to renew bonds and friendships. Old and new friends happily exchanged their interfaith stories and lessons with each other. Read full text & more photos

Peacemakers’ Circle co-organized interfaith Event on Global Peace Prayer Day / World Shift day

On May 17, 2009 the Philippines joined more than 52 countries in the world in synergetic harmony as the Global Peace Prayer and Meditation Day / World Shift Day was celebrated with Symphony of peace prayers (SOPP)*, an interfaith program jointly organized by the Byakko Shinko Kai – Philippines (BSKP) and The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), and in partnership with the Center for Peace Education of Miriam College. Read full text & view more photos...

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Interfaith Earth Day celebration

On April 18th, 2009 The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) and Y4U (youth for unity) interfaith circle participated in the World Drum Project's interfaith celebration of Earth Day at the La Mesa Ecopark in Fairview, Quezon City...see full text & more photos




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The Peacemakers' Circle staff has recently joined interfaith leaders and representatives of other URI Cooperation Circles (CCs) from all over the
Southeast Asia & the Pacific region last March 15 - 21, 2009 for the

United Religions Initiative Southeast Asia-Pacific (URI-SEAP)
Regional Assembly 2009
held @ Mindanao Civic Center, Tubod, lanao del Norte, Mindanao

see full report here (or copy-paste the url) : http://uriseapnewsletter.blogspot.com/2009/04/highlights-of-5th-uri-seapac-regional.html

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World March for Peace & Nonviolence - Phil. launching (March 2, 2009)

On March 2, 2009 (Monday) The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. participated in the public launching of the WORLD MARCH FOR PEACE & NONVIOLENCE campaign & network in the Philippines... read more

Who We Are

The Peacemakers' Circle is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-partisan Manila-based organization composed of people of diverse religions, spiritual expressions, and indigenous traditions who recognize the Oneness of Humanity and are guided by the Principles of Unity in Diversity, Good Will, and Cooperation.

Thinking globally and acting locally, we strive to bring forth the highest ideals and teachings of our faith as we work together to promote spiritual self-awareness and “be the change that we wish to see in the world!”

We are a Cooperation Circle of the United Religions Initiative (URI)-- a global interfaith community committed to promote enduring daily interfaith cooperation, to put an end to religiously motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, justice, and the healing of the Earth and all living beings (see www.uri.org).

Our Vision & Our Mission

OUR VISION:
World Peace and the Healing of the Earth through Individual and Social Transformation.

OUR MISSION:
1) To promote the highest human aspirations of peace, justice, freedom, love and healing for the Earth and all living beings through various inner work programs, workshop seminars, forums and symposiums.

2) To provide a convergence point for peoples of diverse religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions to share the highest ideals and teachings of their faith and to engage in dialogue with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding, kinship and cooperation.

3) To help end all forms of violence and to promote healing for the Earth and all living beings through various ways of peaceful mediation, prayer and dialogue, non-violent action, interfaith cooperation, and through service-oriented peace-building projects.

How We Came To Be

The seed of inspiration that brought about The Peacemakers’ Circle came to be in July 1998. Marites Guingona- Africa, a Filipino Catholic laywoman, saw an image of the globe surrounded by symbols of the world’s religions printed on a friend’s shirt.

The image provoked her to reflect on the questions: Why do people of faith fight each other in the name of God? How can religion contribute to peace in the world? It was then that she first learned about the United Religions Initiative (URI), a global community that promoted enduring daily interfaith cooperation, put an end to religiously motivated violence, and created cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

The URI purpose and vision (see www.uri.org) so inspired Marites that in January 2000, she and Shakuntala Vaswani (Hindu), and other friends from various faith traditions in Metro Manila, decided to form a weekly dialogue group they called the Peace Circle. This happened after the success of the Kapayapaan sa Bukang Liwayway 2000 (Peace at the Dawn of 2000), a first interfaith gathering on New Year’s Eve of 1999 that they organized as their contribution to the 72 Hours Project of the global URI community. The Peace Circle became a regular weekly meeting of friends from different cultures and beliefs who shared common aspirations for peace. Over the years, the dialogue meetings turned into Inner Work sessions, and its participants eventually formed the core group that created what is now known to be The Peacemakers’ Circle.

On June 26, 2000, during the global signing of the URI Charter, The Peacemakers’ Circle was recognized as a Cooperation Circle (CC) and founding member of the URI.

On March 14, 2001 The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation Inc., was registered as a non-stock and non-profit foundation at the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission. Since then, we have grown into a vital bridge-building organization bringing together people of different cultures and beliefs to a common ground of dialogue.

We must be the change that we wish to see in the world! These compelling words of Mahatma Gandhi continue to inspire us to collaborate with one another in the spirit of unity in diversity, good will and cooperation for the realization of our common vision.

More About URI

The United Religions Initiative (URI) was founded in 2000 by an extraordinary global community composed of people of diverse religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions throughout the world.



BRIEF HISTORY
The seed for URI was planted in 1993 when the United Nations (UN) invited William Swing, Episcopal Bishop of California, to host an interfaith service in San Francisco for the 50th anniversary of UN. From this inspiration, a vision took shape to create an organization whereby people of diverse faiths and from all sectors of society would cooperate for peace and justice for all.

From the first global summit in 1996 to the Charter signing in 2000, URI engaged thousands of people from diverse faith traditions to create the URI Charter. Five global summits and numerous gatherings and consultations took place in different regions of the world.



Today, the URI includes thousands of members forming 340 Cooperation Circles (CC’s) in 60 countries representing more than 120 faith traditions. The Peacemakers' Circle is a founding Cooperation Circle of URI.

Currently, The Peacemakers' Circle also shares office space with the REGIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE of URI in Southeast Asia and the Pacific (see www.uriseapacific.org or www.uriseapacific.blogspot.com ).

For more info on URI visit: www.uri.org

More news & recent events

Engaging the moral imagination in finding ways of transcending cycles of violence in Mindanao

An overview and report on the URI Moral Imagination and Peacebuilding initiatives in SEAPac by Marites Guingona-Africa

For the first time since its eight years of engagement in the field, The Peacemakers' Circle reached out beyond the environs of Metro Manila to engage in consultation with representatives of organizations and institutions based in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao to explore the possibility of engaging in a long-term and sustainable action-reflection collaborative work with them. The aim was to train a team of grassroots leaders from conflict-affected areas (who will meet once in every 3-4 months within a span of two years) in an action-reflection program that will build their capacities to promote moral imagination approaches to healing memories of violence and war (among themselves and members of their respective communities), grassroots interfaith dialogue and relationship- building, and community development and peacebuilding in their respective conflict areas in Mindanao, southern Philippines. Read more


Peacemakers Y4U visit Shumei

Farming to Create a Heaven on Earth

In line with the World Environment Day (June 5) the Y4U: Youth for Unity group of the Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. turned its focus on the growing environmental problems, climate change, food shortages, and increasing poverty in the World. A visit was organized to the Shumei (a Japanese spiritual movement) center to learn about their practice of natural agriculture. However, the visit to the center at Valencia Hills Condominium, Quezon City did not materialize until June 25, 2009 (Saturday)... Read full text & more photos


Peacemakers celebrate URI 9th Anniversary with interfaith leaders

The Peacemakers' Circle -- a Cooperation Circle or CC of the United Religions Inititative (URI)-- in partnership with the URI Southeast Asia-Pacific regional office had a beautiful gathering with interfaith leaders and friends on June 25 entitled People for Peace in celebration of URI's 9th Anniversary of its Charter-signing. Around 24 interfaith leaders and representatives braved the Manila typhoon signal warning to grace us their presence to renew bonds and friendships. Old and new friends happily exchanged their interfaith stories and lessons with each other.

The celebration opened with interfaith prayers from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Tibetan Buddhist, Unitarian Universalist, and Brahma Kumaris traditions. We were also blessed with the presence of Shumei and Jeung San Do spiritual movement representatives... See full text & more photos


Peacemakers’ Circle co-organized interfaith Event on Global Peace Prayer Day / World Shift day

On May 17, 2009 the Philippines joined more than 52 countries in the world in synergetic harmony as the Global Peace Prayer and Meditation Day / World Shift Day was celebrated with Symphony of peace prayers (SOPP)*, an interfaith program jointly organized by the Byakko Shinko Kai – Philippines (BSKP) and The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), and in partnership with the Center for Peace Education of Miriam College.

Lined with the colorful flags of the different countries in the world, faith symbols, a Peace Pole, mandala artworks, and energized with the presence and prayerful intentions of around 70 peace-loving people representing different spiritual organizations, advocacy groups, cultural workers and artists-- the conference hall of the Environmental Science Institute in Miriam College, Quezon City throbbed with peace vibrations sent out to the rest of the world that Sunday morning... See full text & more photos...

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Interfaith Earth Day celebration

On April 18th, 2009 The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) and Y4U (youth for unity) interfaith circle participated in the World Drum Project's interfaith celebration of Earth Day at the La Mesa Ecopark in Fairview, Quezon City...see full text & more photos

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The Peacemakers' Circle staff has recently joined interfaith leaders and representatives of other URI Cooperation Circles (CCs) from all over theSoutheast Asia & the Pacific region last March 15 - 21, 2009 for theUnited Religions Initiative Southeast Asia-Pacific (URI-SEAP)Regional Assembly 2009held @ Mindanao Civic Center, Tubod, lanao del Norte, Mindanao
see full report here (or copy-paste the url) : http://uriseapnewsletter.blogspot.com/2009/04/highlights-of-5th-uri-seapac-regional.html

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World March for Peace & Nonviolence - Phil. launching (March 2, 2009)

On March 2, 2009 (Monday) The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. participated in the public launching of the WORLD MARCH FOR PEACE & NONVIOLENCE campaign & network in the Philippines... read more

OUR PROGRAMS

Peace is a dynamic evolutionary process.

The Peacemakers' Circle endeavors to contribute to this process through its three-pronged program geared towards individual growth and social development:

I. SELF-AWARENESS & TRANSFORMATION

II. DIALOGUES FOR UNDERSTANDING

III. INTERFAITH ACTION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

I. SELF-AWARENESS & TRANSFORMATION

In keeping with the conviction that true peace begins from within one's self, this program is designed to help individuals become true instruments of peace in every day of their lives.

The following are the components of the program:

A. Inner Work

A daily self-reflection exercise program for aspiring peacemakers.

B. Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC)

A weekly support group sharing circle of Inner Work practitioners who share with one another insights, reflections, personal experiences and life challenges within the backdrop of their respective spiritual traditions as they strive to become true instruments of peace by cultivating self-awareness and individual transformation.

Join us every Tuesday, 6:00- 8:00pm at the Peacemakers' Circle office
(59 Salvador St., Loyola Heights, QC - choose Our NEW Location from the menu for directions)



Current theme of the week: "What is my station in life?"

Guide questions for Self-Reflection: What is my main occupation? How do i feel about what i am doing?


RECENT HAPPENING AT TIWC:

Peacemakers Open Evening visit to Universal Wisdom Fdn (TIWC-OE 02-26-08)

“If you have time to be mindful, you have time to meditate.” – Ven.Ajahn Chah

Last Tuesday (Feb. 26) the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) held an Open Evening (On-Site) session – visiting the Universal Wisdom Foundation, Inc. (UWFI) Buddhist Resource Center. Instead of the usual meeting at The Peacemakers’ Circle, the group met together at the LRT2 Katipunan station before proceeding to the center which is located at Gilmore Ave. in New Manila, Quezon City. The others who are already familiar with the UWFI center went ahead and met us there.

At the UWFI center the group was met by Mr. Mon Rivera, one of the staff members who was also the facilitator for the evening’s session. Checking out the books from their library and availing of some which were for free distribution, the group was received at the center’s office and library before proceeding to the meditation room... (to read more check out the Tuesday Inner Work reflection/report blogsite: www.innerworkcircle.blogspot.com or click on the above title of this write-up)


Join the quarterly FAITH-ON-SITE visit trips to temples and places of worship of different faith traditions.

C. The Art of Being in the Moment

A training workshop program on Stress Management & Relationship Building.

II. DIALOGUES FOR UNDERSTANDING

“Of the thirty-four wars going on in the world, religion is involved in virtually every one, a scandal that continues to undermine the spiritual message and the moral credibility of all religious institutions. Religion has not only a calling but a clear moral responsibility to act for peace in these circumstances.”
- Bishop William E. Swing. Episcopal Bishop of California

In response to the call of faith to bring forth the highest ideals and teachings of all religions and spiritual traditions in promoting peace in the world, The Peacemakers’ Circle offers the following workshops and dialogue programs:

A. MONTHLY DIALOGUE CIRCLES
B. VISIONS OF PEACE AMONG RELIGIONS
C. PEACEMAKING FROM THE HEART OF FAITH
D. "PEOPLE FOR PEACE" PRAYER GATHERINGS

A. Monthly Dialogue Circles

This brings peoples of diverse cultures and beliefs together to a common ground in order to share their thoughts, sentiments, and plans of action on various areas of concern.


The following are the dialogue groups:

1. Friendship Circle of Leaders of Faith

2. Interfaith Women's Circle

Please check out this blog to view recent activities of the Interfaith Women's Circle: www.interfaithwomenscirclemanila.blogspot.com

3. Interfaith Youth Circle: Y4U (youth for unity)

Check out the latest happenings with the Y4U interfaith circle @
www.youth4unity.multiply.com

www.interfaithyouthcirclemanila.blogspot.com

www.youth4unity.blogspot.com

B. Visions of Peace Among Religions

This is a workshop-seminar for students and young adults in colleges and universities. It aims to promote awareness of the need for interfaith dialogue and relationship-building for the attainment of peace in the world.


C. Peacemaking from the Heart of Faith

A one-day intensive seminar-workshop on the art of dialogue and “heart listening.”

D. "People for Peace" Prayer Gatherings

Interfaith Prayer Gatherings are organized at various times during the year to bring people of different faiths together to celebrate joyous occasions, commemorate meaningful events in history, or share a common spiritual aspiration for peace, justice, and wellbeing in the world.

III. INTERFAITH ACTION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

This program translates dialogue into action, bringing people of different faiths together to proactively respond to social challenges in the Philippines.

The following are the Peacemakers’ Circle’s various areas of action:

A. MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE AND RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING

B. IMAM-PRIEST DIALOGUE PROGRAM

C. YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM

Muslim-Christian Dialogue and Relationship-Building

While we are inspired by a global vision, our projects and initiatives address local issues of concern. In the Philippines, the concern for the resolution of the conflict in Mindanao (involving Muslims and Christians) has been ongoing for decades.

Although Mindanao is the homeland of Muslims in the country, many Muslims have fled their homeland to seek better lives elsewhere. Many of them have settled in Metro Manila where various factors, including differences between them and their predominantly Christian neighbors, have made living conditions nonetheless challenging.

In response to the perceived need for peace among Muslims and Christians, The Peacemakers’ Circle engaged itself in partnership with the Office of the President on Muslim Affairs in embarking on the following projects and initiatives:

1. BUILDING MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS IN GRASSROOTS COMMUNITIES IN METRO MANILA

A. Tala, Caloocan City. In October 2003 The Peacemakers’ Circle reached out to Muslim and Christian residents in the community of Barangay 188, Phase 12, Riverside in Tala, Caloocan City. It conducted weekly Inner Work sessions and monthly peacebuilding workshops and values formation seminars for a group of local residents who, one year later, were inspired to form a Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ Association. They elected their own officers, and planned and implemented their own programs for the community. see www.muslimchristianpeace.blogspot.com

B. Maharlika Village, Taguig City. In October 2005 The Peacemakers’ Circle conducted a medical and relief mission for the fire victims of the Muslim community. Consequently, a project called “Angat Buhay Maharlika” (Uplifting the Quality of Life in Maharlika) is being launched that will consist of feeding the hungry children, educating the mothers, and involving the youth in leadership training for community building.

C. Golden Mosque Community in Quiapo, City of Manila. The Peacemakers’ Circle has been assisting the Muslim leaders in the area in organizing a Federation of Muslim Religious Leaders. This Federation is being organized to promote peace and good will among Muslims towards their Christian counterparts, and to help bring to their attention the plight of the Muslims in the predominantly Christian metropolis.

D. Barangay Culiat in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The Peacemakers’ Circle is in the process of reaching out to the Muslim youths in this area where differences among Muslim tribes and between Muslims and their Christian neighbors is an ongoing cause for concern. The focus of this endeavor is in training the youth in the ways of peace through various creative approaches to dialogue.

2. CONDUCTING MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE WORKSHOP-SEMINARS promoting self-empowerment and mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among Muslims and Christians for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation.

3. PROVIDING COMMUNITY SERVICES (e.g. organizing medical and relief missions, meeting of community leaders and members, bridge-building between the local government officials and the people in grassroots community, etc.)

Education & Advocacy Program

This program brings an interfaith team of resource persons to various colleges and universities around Metro Manila to speak on the topic: Religion: Source of Conflict, Resource for Peace. This aims to promote awareness among the youth of the role of faith in bringing about peace and harmonious relationships among all peoples in the world

What's New?

Features

Finding the True Meaning of Diwali
by Sharon Danisha M. Vaswani

DIWALI GREETINGS!

In today's troubled world where relationships are strained by differences, Diwali brings fresh hope to renew and strengthen these ties that bind us together... Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year in the Hindu Calendar. The word Diwali is from the Sanskrit word Deepavali literally meaning a "Row of Lights." It is the night when lights and love fill the hearts and homes and there is rejoicing and celebrations to herald the triumph of good over evil. The reasons for celebrating Diwali are many. One is that it celebrates Lord Ram's glorious and long-awaited return to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen long years of exile in the forest. Another is that it commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Naraksura who had kidnapped and terrorized the gopis (cow maidens) of Vrindavan. It is also celebrated as the day Lord Vishnu married Goddess Lakshmi. However, what is the true meaning of this festival? What does it truly signify? There are three main aspects of this auspicious day called Diwali. The first is the celebration of light which dispels the darkness of our ignorance and shows us the way on our journey through life. The purpose is not to glorify the light of the diya (candle) or the light of the firecracker lit on this day but it is to glorify the light of God. It is He who bestows the real light, the everlasting light upon the darkness of this mundane world. A candle burns out; a firework is a momentary visual experience. But, the candle of a still mind and the fireworks of a heart filled with bhakti (true devotion) are divine and eternal and these are what we should be celebrating. Hence, the true light of Diwali should be within us. Diwali also marks the beginning of a New Year. It is a day of "starting fresh". It is the time that begs the questions: When was the last time we swept out our hearts? When did we last empty them of all the dirt and garbage that has accumulated throughout our lives? That is the real cleaning we must do. That is the real meaning of "starting fresh." We must clean out our hearts, ridding them of darkness and bitterness; we must make them clean and sparkling places for God to live. We must be as thorough with ourselves as we are with our homes. Let us therefore, truly clean out our hearts and rid ourselves of the grudges, pain, and anger that clutter our ability to love freely. Let us empty out every nook and cranny, so that His divine light can shine throughout. The third, and perhaps most important, aspect of Diwali is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On Diwali we pray to her for prosperity; however this does not mean for material possessions only as it is only God's presence in our lives which makes us rich. We pray for an abundance of faith, not money; success in our spiritual lives, and for the love of God. Therefore, in its highest meaning, Goddess Lakshmi provides wealth for sustenance, not for indulgence. Our material wealth and prosperity should only sustain us, giving us that which is necessary to preserve our lives and all surpluses should be used for humanitarian causes. Lakshmi is typically portrayed wearing red. And as red is the color of action, this means that in order to obtain the true prosperity in life, we must engage in action. We must engage ourselves in active, good service; that is truly the way to be with Him. So, on this Diwali day, let us fill our entire beings with the light of God. Let us clean out our minds and hearts, making a true "fresh start." Let us pray to Goddess Lakshmi to bestow the divine gifts of faith, purity and devotion upon us. With those, we will always be always rich, always prosperous, and always fulfilled. Let us celebrate Diwali this year as a true "holy day," not only as another frivolous "holiday."

HAPPY DIWALI TO ONE AND ALL!

Resources

Ways To Give

Our NEW Location!

Dear Peacemakers and Friends,

We are happy to announce that, along with the changing times, The Peacemakers’ Circle has moved to its new location! Beginning June 21, 2006 we will be at our NEW office:

THE PEACEMAKERS’ CIRCLE FOUNDATION, INC.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE CENTER
Unit 105 PhilDHRRA Partnership Center
59 C. Salvador Street, Varsity Hills
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
1108 Metro Manila, Philippines

(Two blocks from McDonald's-Shakey's across Ateneo University gate 2 near pedestrian overpass-- C. Salvador is parallel Katipunan Ave. )

TO GET THERE
Commuting from Cubao: Take the LRT2, drop off at Katipunan station, walk towards the flyover and look for the tricycles near the Ministop convenience store (behind Reyes Hair Cutters-Aurora)—ask the tricycle driver to bring you to PhilDHRRA #59 Salvador St.

From UP: get down at KFC Katipunan. Take a tricycle or walk westward along F.Dela Rosa St., enter the village via pedestrian gate and turn left at the 2nd block (C.Salvador St.).

Private vehicles will have to enter Varsity Hills via B.Gonzales St. right across Miriam College main gate.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CONTACT US at our new telephone numbers
Landline: (+632) 920-7622 or (+632) 920-4618. Mobiles: 0917-538 9358 (c/o Marites) or 0918-782 2805 (c/o Orlan)

Or e-mail: peacemakerscircle_uri@yahoo.com or shekinah8@gmail.com

You are also welcome to join our e-group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/peacemakerscircle/

We are as passionate about our vision, and as enthusiastic about our mission! Come with us as we carry on in this journey along the path of peace, and let us seek new ways of being peacemakers together!

Be a Member, Be a Peacemaker!

Our Current Board of Trustees

For the year 2007, The Peacemakers' Circle Board of Trustees include the following distinguished leaders and representatives from diverse faith traditions:

1) Ms. MARITES GUINGONA-AFRICA, M.A. (Theological Studies)

Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo University

Catholic Christian

2) Dr. SHAKUNTALA M. VASWANI

Balmandir Hindu Temple

Hindu

3) Fr. ANDRE DE BLEEKER, CICM

Maryhill School of Theology

Catholic Christian

4) Ms. TOMOMI "Cathy" OIDA-SHIMA

Shinji Shumei Kai - Philippines

Shumei

5) Aleem SAID BASHER

Imam Council of the Philippines/

Agama Islam Society-Jamiatu Muslim Mindanao

Moslem

6) Dr. ABDULHUSIN "Jo" KASHIM

Institute for the Study of Peace in Islam

Moslem

7) Mr. SAM SALTER

Universal Wisdom Foundation

Buddhist

8) Rev. Fr. LEONARDO N. MERCADO, SVD

Divine Word Missionaries

Catholic Christian

9) Ms. HARDEEP KAUR

Guru Nanak Mission

Sikh

The Peacemakers' Prayer

O Supreme Source of Light, Love, Wisdom and Power!
We, people of diverse cultures, religions and spiritual expressions
Invoke You by different names!
Unto Your Spirit we humbly bow our heads.
In awe and infinite gratitude we proclaim Your glory.

O Giver of Life!
Awaken us to an awareness of who we are.
Move us with Your Spirit into a remembrance of our
Divine origin and true destiny.
Lead us from death to life, from darkness to light.
Infuse the depth of our being with new courage.
Transform our indifference into Compassion,
Our selfishness into love.

O Divine Source of Peace!
May our lives be abounding in forgiveness and healing.
May our thoughts, our words, and our deeds
Manifest Your fullness in our being.
May justice, peace and harmony
Fill our hearts, our homes, our country, our world.
And may Divine Love, Light, and Power restore your plan on earth.