Assisi 2011- “Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace”

October 27th marked a 'Day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace and justice in the world'  at the meeting at which 300 leaders representing a rainbow of faiths gathered together as “Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace”.

It is a continuation of a tradition initiated by Pope John Paul II who started them 25 years ago in 1986 and it was repeated after the attacks of September 11th.

The the key message from the speech given by Pope Benedicto XVI, highlighted that “there is a way of understanding and using religion so that it becomes a source of violence, while the rightly lived relationship of man to God is a force for peace.” In this context he referred to the need for dialogue and spoke of the constant need for purification of lived religion. On the other hand he highlighted “that the denial of God corrupts man, robs him of his criteria and leads him to violence.”  The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, said the delegates weren't gathered in Assisi to come to a "minimum common ground of belief." He said, the meeting would show the world that through their distinctiveness, different faiths provide the wisdom to draw upon "in the struggle against the foolishness of a world still obsessed with fear and suspicion, still in love with the idea of a security based on active hostility, and still capable of tolerating or ignoring massive loss of life among the poorest through war and disease."

Other key messages were:

Rowan Williams, Primate of the Anglican Church
“We are here today to declare our will, our passionate determination to persuade our world that human beings do not have to be strangers, and that recognition is as possible as it is necessary because of our universal relation to God.”

Rabbi David Rosen, representing the Jewish community,

“May this gathering today, reinvigorate all men and women of faith and goodwill to rebound our efforts to make this goal a reality, the reality that brings true blessing and healing to humanity.”

Dr. Kay Haji Hasyim Muzadi, representing the Muslim community,

“Supposedly, the essence and objectives of the presence of religions on this earth is to strengthen the values and dignity of humanity, peace and world progress because it is intended to enlighten  humanity and not do the opposite.”

Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, World Coucil of Churches General Secretary,

“The world needs peacemakers of faith”..”The cross is not for crusades but a sign of God’s love embracing everybody"

Card. Kurt Koch, President, Pontifical Council for Christian Unity,

“Let us remember that there is no peace without justice; that there is no justice without forgiveness”.

The Day ended in a square near St Francis’s basilica in the simplest and most poetic way, with an exchange of peace among participants. This was preceded by the lighting of small lamps that a group of young people handed out in silence to the 300 representatives who had come to Assisi on Benedict XVI’s invitation.. “to invoke the gift of peace where the 1986 edition had been celebrated. Every participant, as someone said, was able or express hope for it in his or her innermost conscience.”

The closing ceremony was marked with several white doves were released to symbolize peace.

Benedicto XVI
It's a case of being together on a journey towards truth, a case of taking a decisive stand for human dignity and a case of common engagement for peace against every form of destructive force.

Full details at:

http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-benedict-xvis-speech-in-assisi-english-5260.html

http://www.romereports.com/palio/benedict-in-assisi-no-more-violence-in-the-name-of-religion-english-5262.html

Photos at: http://www.umbria24.it/