The Dominican community of Peace Center and members of the URI Pakistan organized the celebration of Symphony of Peace Prayers (SOPP) at the premises of Peace Center in Lahore, Pakistan on 22 May 2011. SOPP, a day named by the World Peace Prayer Society was celebrated this year in 43 countries. This way we felt very much united with the global community and peace loving people of various religions and spiritual traditions. The ceremony was observed by a group of over 60 men, women, youth and children, from Muslim, Christian and Hindu communities who gathered together to express our longing for peace and harmony in our country and all around the world. There were religious leaders, social workers, human rights activists, children youth, women and members of various NGOs present. The children of Basharat-e-Ibn-e-Marian School and ABC For All School in Lahore presented very moving tableaus, songs and dance on harmony and world peace.
Father James Channan, URI Regional Coordinator of Pakistan, gave an opening speech in which he welcomed all the participants and shared with them the significance of SOPP. He said that today as Pakistan and several other countries are going through a lot of unrest, terrorism, war and violence, it is of prime importance to pray and work for peace. He gave history of the SOPP in Japan and also his rich personal experience and that of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Grand Imam of the Badshahi Mosque Lahore, who has participated twice in the SOPP at Fuji Sanctuary, Japan in which was attended by more than 10,000 people from various religions and spiritual traditions.
Father Channan also read message sent from Mrs. Masami Saionji, Chairperson of the World Peace Prayer Society especially for this special occasion in Lahore. In her message, Mrs. Saionji said; "I can find no words to express my deep admiration and respect for you today. While living in stressful times, doing your utmost to meet the challenges of each changing moment, you have nonetheless found time to gather today at the Peace Center in Lahore to pray for peace – not only in Pakistan, but in all countries of the world! What precious beings you are! I am so inexpressibly proud to be able to join hands with you today, and to offer these words of congratulations."
She praised the efforts of the people of Pakistan to promote peace and hold SOPP every year. Mrs. Saionji said, "Each year, the peace-loving people of Pakistan have gathered together in holding uniquely wonderful SOPP ceremonies, and this year’s ceremony is particularly meaningful. This year, the world is in a period of rapid change. At this crucial time, your activities are unleashing an amazing, creative wave of peace that spreads to all places, becoming the hope of humanity and the mainstay of the Earth’s future. I can clearly feel that, thanks to your unshakeable will and existence, peace will become a reality in the world.” Mrs. Saionji expressed her deep gratitude and admiration for the concern and prayers of the people of Pakistan for the people of Japan who had been severely affected by the devastating earthquake on 11th of March. For this gesture of solidarity she wrote; “On behalf of all Japanese people, I heartily thank you.”
After the message of Mrs. Masami which was also translated in Urdu, there were speeches by Miss. Zara Pervaiz and Miss. Naseem Sadiq. Sr. Sabina Rifat – URI Women Coordinator Pakistan, recited her beautiful poems on world peace and our role in bringing peace. Hafiz Ghulam Farid, representative of interfaith relations from the Minhajul Quran International, presented a message of congratulations on this occasion as well praised the efforts for peace and harmony. Fr. Siddique Mark Sunder OP, played music along with four young Dominican students - Bro. Haroon Ilyas OP, Bro. Azhar Iqbal OP, Bro. Alvin Mehraj OP and Bro. Nasir Emmanuel OP.
The students of Basharat-e-Ibn-e-Mariam School presented beautiful dances conveying the message of peace among us and in the world. The children of ABC for All School, did a peace demonstration where they held cards out to the audience with SOPP 2011 and several slogans of peace written in different colors.
Each one of the participants offered prayers for peace for each country of the world with holding flags in our hands. We said May Peace Prevail On Earth! May Peace Prevail in Japan! It really became a very colorful and joyful celebration as every person was holding a flag of one nation in her/his hand and we prayed for all countries by name. There was a big smile on the face of every person. After this, everyone went out to see the newly dedicated Peace Pole in the lawn by Fr. Bruno Cadore OP, Master of the Dominican Order. Children and young people were very excited to see the Peace Pole and we took some photographs in front of the Peace Pole and also offered prayers for the world peace. Mr. Yuel Bhatti, Executive secretary of the URI Region Pakistan was the Stage Secretary to conduct this ceremony. At the end of the SOPP a delicious supper was offered to all those who were present.
