As we dedicate a day to foster global harmony, we also advocate for the absence of violence. In St. Mary’s Academy Pasay, the International Day of Peace is celebrated with a spirit of unity, reflection, and action among the Ignacian Marian students, making them committed to manifesting the values of peace and love for each other.
During the event, the student body sang the song ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ which has the verse “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.”
This verse represents how the Ignacian Marians are called and encouraged to be responsible for creating harmony, motivating people, and developing peaceful minds with understanding and compassion. This commitment is part of how we serve our community, not just to end violence but to transform the world into a place where everyone would have bright smiles on their faces.
Every International Peace Day in SMA-P, it has become a tradition for the Ignacian Marian community to craft pinwheels in different colors, allowing them to express hope, feelings, and joy; making them spin empowers the child in all of us. It started in 2005 by Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, who were teachers in Florida, as a way for their students to express their feelings and thoughts on their lives and the evolving world. This tradition is being carried out all through the years, and its colors bring out the best in each and every one’s creativity.
This day marks not only the absence of violence but also the presence of kindness and shared humanity. Peace creates the tapestry of hope through small acts of goodwill. Peace is a reminder for us to build a future where every voice is heard, and every heart is valued. Today is a celebration of our dreams for a world where peace reigns, for hearts who inspire and uplift every human being. In this journey, together, we build a brighter future, where peace triumphs over division. Happy International Day of Peace!