School pupil Mohammad Baqair lost his mother, a teacher, in the attack (Photo credit: AP)
Today, the international community was rocked by the news of a Taliban attack on a school in Peshwar, Pakistan, which killed 141 people - 132 of whom were children - and injured many others.
As the world condemns this horrific act, our global community gathers to offer words of sympathy, consolation and prayers for peace.
Here are some of those messages:
Dear all,
It is such a horrific act of terrorism in which 132 innocent angel like children and 9 staff member of the school were killed in Peshawar. Our entire country and I believe the entire world is stunned at this terrorist attack by the militants. Please pray for us and for our country and its leadership so that we may live in a civilized country!
fr James Channan OP, Regional Coordinator for URI Asia - Pakistan
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Dear Jahangir, Father James and sisters and brothers in Pakistan, so sorry to hear of the tragic events in Peshawar.
Our prayers are with the victims and their families.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy.
In prayer,
Kiran Bali MBE JP, URI Global Council Chair
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Father James and our sisters and brothers in Pakistan,
News of the massacre of children in Pakistan has reached us and our hearts break at this horrific violence against innocents. We weep for the families affected by this loss and extend our love and prayers to all in our human family impacted by these murders. May you and all those in Pakistan who work for peace continue to have strength as you offer alternatives to the cowardice of violence. May Peace prevail in Pakistan.
In peace…
The Rev. Victor H. Kazajian, Jr., URI Executive Director
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We are shocked by the terrible tragedy at Peshwar School. It is said more than 120 are shot, most of them students. What do the killers gain by annihilation of innocent children? War is never a remedy for any ills. Terrorism of any sort, including bio- terrorism is abominable.
Let us pray for the transformation of all who deal in terror and war. Let us lament with the members of bereaved families.
Abraham Karickam, Regional Coordinator for URI Asia – South India
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Dear All,
As we work hard to stop terror and violence on innocent ones, the devil also tries to undo us. We shall never slow down until good over comes evil!
Our prayers for those in grieve in Peshawar, and may those martyred kids change the hearts of the wicked.
So sad!
The Honorable Elisha Buba Yero, URI Global Council Trustee
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Just like William Shakespeare's Macbeth, we find consolation in the undeniable fact that the victory of evil over good is only temporal. I hear the steps and sound of goodness walking in, gently but surely, and in no distant future, evil will have no room in the hearts of men and women.
The events in Pakistan today, and similar ones in Nigeria, Syria, Afghanistan, etc., are a constant reminder of how significantly relevant our work for peace, healing and justice is. We shall overcome.
Sincerely,
Emmanuel Ivorgba, Regional Coordinator for URI Western Africa
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Dear Sister Sabina and all brother and sisters in Pakistan,
I would like to express our sad feeling here of what happened today, it is really shocking hearing about those lovely chidren who were killed by this evil. This remind us of so many killing we had here because this ugly occupation. We pray for the almighty god to protect our brothers and sisters in Pakistan and end this bloodshed.
With Regards,
Tareq Al-Tamimi, URI Global Council Trustee
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Dear Father James and URI team in Pakistan,
My deepest sympathy to the families who lost their beloved children. May they feel the mystery of God's presence even as they experience such anguish and loss. Terror against children is so impossible - we do stand with you and the sorrowing people with support and care.
With sympathy,
Sally Mahe, Co-Director of Global Programs & Organizational Development
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Dear Father James, Sister Sabina and all community in Pakistan,
There is not much I can say. Pain floods my heart.. May the good work you do in Pakistan heal and eradicate violence!
In prayer and compassion,
Maria Crespo, Director of Cooperation Circle Support
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To my brothers and sisters in Pakistan,
My heart breaks with yours. May the great Comforter be with us now.
In Peace,
Sari Heidenreich, Regional Coordinator for URI North America
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Joining you and URI team and other friends in your pain and sorrow shown here in these notes! Let us continue to uphold those families who lost their loved ones as it is a loss for all of us.
Today, while I was watching the TV news at the hallway at work, I saw a fellow employee looking at the TV earnestly and wiping away tears. As I approached him and tried to console his situation, he mentions that his name is Arif and is a Pakistan born individual living here and was a student at this same Peshawar school in the 60’s where this tragedy took place!. After some words, we hugged, consoled and parted!
This event became so real to me then and all of your notes kindles the hope that joy will come in the morning for all mankind with the precious efforts that you all are doing.
With much love,
Kunjumone George, participant of URI International Peace Research Institute
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To our family in Pakistan,
We send healing thoughts to you and the families who lost their loved ones in this horrific massacre. We hold you and Pakistan close to our hearts, and pray that peace will prevail amidst such incredible pain. May the good work that our colleagues and our CCs so bravely undertake continue to thrive.
With deepest sympathy,
Isabelle Ortega, Director of Global Communications & Strategic Planning
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Our Dear URI Family in Pakistan,
My heart has been full today. As a mother of three and grandmother of 14 beautiful children, I can barely imagine the shock of this day for the families affected by this tragedy. It feels like a bad dream, but it's not a dream, it is now a part of all of our story. We share your loss because it is our loss as well. And we dare to continue to lift the banner of peace, for a safer world for all of our children, now and for generations to come. We are more determined to build stronger -- long lasting bridges of hope and meaningful engagement that enables us to transcend this horrific type of cowardly violence against our children.
Tonight we light candles for Peshawar, for the children and staff who lost their lives, the ones who were injured, the ones who witnessed this tragedy, and the families who must now carry on.
May Peace Prevail in Peshawar. May Peace Prevail in Pakistan. May Peace Prevail on Earth,
Audri Scott Williams, URI Global Council Trustee
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I still fail to understand how one can kill children and expect to be supported for whatever cause. It just beats my understanding. As a mother and a peace builder this is a serious cross road for me on a personal note.
In peace,
Despina Namwembe, Regional Coordinator for URI Africa - Great Lakes
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Very painful to hear. Our sympathies to the parents, relatives and friends.
Vasudeva Rao, URI Global Council Trustee
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Dear Friends,
We have heard of a heinous crime committed against innocent civilians mote so the school children by Taliban terrorists. Terrorism should stand condemned by one and all. As we in Sri Lanka have experienced the grief and the agony of unbridled atrocities of terrorism we can well imagine their plight.
We at URI Sri Lanka extend our sympathies to the loved ones.
Peace,
Ravindra Kandage, URI Global Council Trustee
