Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com

Theme: Quote: Ritual:

Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong. - Mahatma Gandhi A: Peace Meditation A Buddhist Prayer B: Pledge of Nonviolence Event: 2 October 2011 - Gandhi Jayanthi International Day of Non-Violence. 21 September International Day of Peace. (Refer: Introduction at the end) Requirements: A Teacher and 2/3 student leaders will take full responsibility for prior preparation: 1. Arrange and organize the prayer service, with prior preparation for the requirements. Assign readers to responsibly render their role, practice earlier to set the tone of prayerful devotion and let the prayer flow with meaningful pauses without flaw. 2. Display prominently The Theme, Quote and the Logo. 3. Students to write the pledge earlier in class and bring it for the prayer service 4. Prayerfully conduct the Ritual of Meditation with prior practice. 5. the choir to practice earlier and sing. 6. 3 teachers and 3 Readers to read their part during the prayer Leader Introduction: (All are seated comfortably) The United Nations (UN) International Day of Nonviolence is a global observance since the year 2007 annually held on October 2 to coincide with Mahatma Gandhis birthday. The UN recognizes The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his adherence to the doctrine of nonviolence of nonviolent Jesus in protecting human rights. Mohandas Gandhi was born in India on October 2, 1869. He is remembered today for contributing towards Indias freedom and the philosophy of Ahimsa as a tool for the peaceful resolution of differences. Non-violence must prevail at every level from individuals to governments, for peace to be lasting and true. Nonviolence is the path to enduring peace. We welcome you dear friends for this prayer service. Let us turn to those around us and acknowledge their presence with a nod or smile as we join in the prayer song Peace is flowing like a river. (Pause) Choir: Prayer Song: Peace is flowing like a river: - http://youtu.be/TigRAF0G_E4
*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com
Peace is flowing like a river / flowing out through you and me, spreading out into the desert / setting all the captives free. Chorus: Let it flow though me / Let it flow though me Let the mighty Peace of God / Flow out through me Let it flow though me / Let it flow though me Let the mighty Peace of God / Flow out through me Love.. Joy.. Ritual A: Meditation A Buddhist Prayer Ref- http://youtu.be/9xNnkRBZmFI Teacher 1: Let us sit comfortably, take a deep breath and relax to enter into the presence of the God of peace who loves each of us with infinite compassion. Let us breathe in the peace and compassion of God extending to all Creation. Breathe as comfortably as possible till you find a rhythm and relish the sensation of breathing. Be aware of the energy flow through the body with each in - and - out breath and relax. Spread thoughts of peace and good will to the people and environment around you. (Pause) The bell will mark the beginning and ending of the meditation with a Buddhist Prayer. Teacher 2: (Pronounce loudly but slowly the Buddhist prayer below) {Pause . Bell 1 stroke.Pause} PEACE TO ALL BEINGS May all beings be well and happy . and free from fear PEACE. (Pause)

PEACE TO ALL BEINGS Whether Near or Far Known or unknown Real or imaginary.. ..Visible or invisible Born or yet to be born PEACE. (Pause) PEACE TO ALL BEINGS Within and beyond Imagination In the world of Ideas .. In the world of Memories and in the world of Dreams PEACE. (Pause) PEACE IN ALL ELEMENTS Earth Air .. Fire and .. ..Water Fulfilled in space . PEACE. (Pause) PEACE IN ALL UNIVERSES . from the Smallest Cells in our Body . .to the Greatest Galaxies in Space .. PEACE. (Pause) PEACE .and .. LIGHT.. RISING (Pause)
*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com
{Pause . Bell 1 stroke.Pause. (End of the meditation.)} Let us end the meditation with a prayer Prayer: Teacher 3 Almighty and Merciful God, we are thankful for the gifts of life and being, of love and relationship. We are thankful for all the wonders of the world around us. We are thankful for each other and all the members of our global family. May we have eyes that see, hearts that love and hands that are ready to serve in love and kindness, with caring and courage. Bless us to love one another and to reconcile with everyone, to resist injustice and spread the practice of nonviolence. Blessed be your name. Amen. Reader 1: Gandhi is with us everywhere in the currency, the stamps, every city has a road or market named after him, but his spirit is missing somewhere. Todays generation has not seen Mahatma Gandhi and his way of fighting against the English. The Hazare movement of Gandhigiri on the lines of noble reforms has made history in which future generations can take pride. In Anna Hazare India celebrated the countrys crusade against corruption in August 2010. We can play our part in uprooting corruption so that we will have a less corrupt world. Being willing to stand in line waiting for our turn in following normal procedures to get services as seat in a bus, tickets, gas cylinder etc.. instead of bribing to overstep the others and being a bully is a definite step. The end does not justify the means. Love is the way to peace, for love is the greatest power on earth. World peace begins with me and at home. Let God grant us His peace that we become the kind of persons who can live at peace with others as we sing Let there be peace on earth The Choir Prayer Song: Let there be peace on earth - http://youtu.be/wRFNg-Eyt_0 Chorus: 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. With God as our father / Brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother / in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now. With every step i take / Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment / and live each moment, With peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, / and let it begin with me.
*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com
Chorus Let peace begin with me / Let this be the moment now. With every step I take / Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment / and live each moment In peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth / and let it begin with me. Chorus Reader 2: Non-violence, Gandhi said, is the supreme law and the most active force in the world. Just as one must learn the art of killing in the training for violence, so one must learn the art of dying in the training for nonviolence. One person who can express nonviolence in life exercises a force superior to all the forces of brutality. Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. (Martin Luther King Jr.) Jesus the prince of peace invites us to think peace, speak peace and live peace individually, in families, communities and nations. When the practice of nonviolence becomes universal, God will reign on earth as God reigns in heaven. Let us now listen to the scripture on what nonviolent Jesus says. Reader 3: 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God' (Mathew 5: 9) (After a brief pause of 20 to 30 seconds) Almost everyone in the world wants peace - in war-torn countries, in families, in marriages and in all relationships and among nations. It's also interesting that everybody wants to be called a child of God. True peace comes from God who gifts His peace to people of good will. God has called us to walk in peace, to seek peace and pursue it (I Cor 7:15). Ritual B: A Pledge of Nonviolence: Reader 4: Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong. Nonviolent movements seek justice and reconciliation not victory. The pledge of nonviolence states that making peace must start within us and in our family. By adopting it we commit ourselves as best as we can to become nonviolent and peaceable people. Let us take the Pledge of Nonviolence together and reinforce nonviolent thoughts in ourselves and those around us.
*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com
(Each child will have the pledge of nonviolence written earlier in his handbook and will join in.) I invite all those who are ready to stretch your right hand to join in the pledge of nonviolence. In the name of the God of Peace, I pledge today to (To Respect Self and Others) - To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior. (To Communicate Better) - To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving problems peacefully. (To Listen) - To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way. (To Forgive) - To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges. (To Respect Nature) - To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets, with respect and care. (To Play Peacefully) - To select entertainment and toys that support nonviolence and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable. (To Be Courageous) - To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly. This is my pledge. These are my goals. May the God of Peace give us the grace and strength to live our pledge and make us instruments of Gods peace. / Name / Date Exchange of Peace: Leader: Let us greet one another with the sign of peace as we conclude the prayer service. (People turn to each other and offer the sign of peace) The Choir: will sing the Closing Song: (Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi) Make me a channel of your peace: Refer: http://youtu.be/eHVz45n5a9M OR Repeat Peace is flowing like a river: - http://youtu.be/TigRAF0G_E4 Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord And where there's doubt, true faith in you.
*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com
Chorus: Oh, Master grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope Where there is darkness, only light And where there's sadness, ever joy. Chorus: Make me a channel of your peace It is in pardoning that we are pardoned In giving to all men that we receive And in dying that we're born to eternal life. Chorus: Note: The Pledge of Nonviolence can be taken in a family, a group, a community followed by appending the signatures. They follow up with monthly/ quarterly meeting to check on the practice of what is pledged to support each other to become more peaceable people.
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{21 Sept: International day of Peace) Introduction : (for International day of Peace) {The International Day of Peace, observed each year on 21 September since 1982, is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. The Day is commemorated through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. Peace doesnt just happen it must be nurtured, maintained and defended. Peace is not just the absence of conflict and violence, but a positive presence. Educating for and about all aspects of peace constitutes peace education. Peacekeeping, peace making and peace building through reconciliation, mediation, justice, tolerance and harmony among peoples and nations is a definite step towards building peace. "Since wars began in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men [and women] that the defenses of peace must be constructed.}
*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre - AVEC

Don Bosco Youth Services Matunga, MUMBAI 400 019 Tel: 24154477 E-mail: avecmatunga@gmail.com
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*Building a New Humanity Through Universal Values* PRAYER SERVICE FROM AVEC