Tuesday, September 29, 2009

International Day of Nonviolence Oct. 2

Oct. 2 is an important day for everyone in our global village but especially for those of us committed to living the good news of peace, justice and reconciliation.

The public is invited to participate in the Sisters of Providence International Day of Nonviolence prayer service at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at St. Joseph Chapel in Owens Hall, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN

The following was written by the Sisters of Providence:

Litany of Non-Violence
Providence God, aware of our own brokenness,
we ask the gift of courage to identify how and where
we are in need of conversion in order to live in
solidarity with Earth and all creation.

Deliver us from the violence of superiority and disdain.
Grant us the desire, and the humility,
to listen with special care to those whose experiences
and attitudes are different from our own.

Deliver us from the violence of greed and privilege.
Grant us the desire, and the will, to live simply
so others may have their just share of Earth's resources.

Deliver us from the silence that gives
consent to abuse, war and evil.
Grant us the desire, and the courage, to risk
speaking and acting for the common good.

Deliver us from the violence of irreverence,
exploitation and control.
Grant us the desire, and the strength, to act
responsibly within the cycle of creation.

God of love, mercy and justice,
acknowledging our complicity in those attitudes,
actions and words which perpetuate violence,
we beg the grace of a non-violent heart. Amen.


Oct. 2 is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom around the world. On June 15, 2007 the International Day of Nonviolence was adopted by the 192 member States of the United Nations during their General Assembly. Mahatma Gandhi has become an icon for people all over the world who believe in nonviolence as a way of life and as the best way to overcome oppression.

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