Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Thursday 20th July 2017
Wow! What an amazing day our Peace Ambassadors have had at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. We have been so blessed to experience and participate in this extra special event, with faith leaders from 14 different religions; as well as many different schools across the country. All a part of our commitment to World Peace and the promotion of the Peace Mala Golden Rule, “Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.”
The service started with ‘The Faith Leaders’ procession in which Rayhana and Naseeha had the important role of supporting the entrance of the Hindu and Youngdrung Bon Representatives. The atmosphere in the cathedral was electric. I can honestly say I have never felt so proud of the children and the way they represented both St. Agnes’ and the Peace Mala Community.
Then, we had a welcome speech from The Very Reverend Gerwyn Capon, the Dean of Llandoff and Pam Evans the founder of the Peace Mala. Both sharing the message that we need to care for one another, now more than ever before. They explained that all faiths share the one common hope for peace and we should love one another no matter what our faith is.
The message of the ‘Peace Mala’ bracelet was then presented by the pupils of Newall Green Primary, Wythenshawe; St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Swansea and Worth Valley Primary, Yorkshire. Their stories told the faith leaders of the messages from all Peace Mala Schools and the importance of sharing our global hope for tolerance and acceptance.
We then watched Naseeha and Rayhana light one of the large Peace candles with their Faith Leaders, whilst listening to ‘Healing Light’ a Celtic Prayer from The Peace Makers. It sounded beautiful, you could see that everyone in the Cathedral felt very moved.
It was then time for the Performance of One Light, The Peace Mala Anthem. St Agnes’ Peace Mala Ambassadors joined the many schools in attendance in what can only be described as ‘magical’ performance. Many of the adults were extremely moved by this performance, some to tears. A memory the staff and children of St Agnes will treasure forever.
Finally, Votives for World Peace were lit by all schools and their Peace Mala Leads. Ms Lynton, Numaan and Mehak had the privilege of lighting these. We prayed for love, light and tolerance for not only the children of Manchester, but children all over the world. Penllergaer Primary performed ‘Sing’ during this time, their voices travelled around the Cathedral beautifully.
After, the event we met with Canon Maurice the Direction of Education at Manchester Diocese. He returned Inaaya Noor, our dove of Peace who travelled with him to Lahore, Pakistan. He had joined the event to support us and our message of hope and was wearing both of his Peace Mala bracelets that we had presented to him. He was extremely moved by the service too.
Many wonderful memories were made today. I cannot thank the Peace Mala Ambassadors enough for their support in spreading our hope for Peace at St Agnes’. They should be extremely proud of the work today, as they spread their message that little bit further and participated in an event that will last in the memories of others for many, many years!
Thank you, Mehak, Sana, Riyad, Aisha, Minahil, Arif, Numaan, Zaki, Tawa, Rayhana, Bilal and Naseeha. You have worked so hard this year to promote tolerance and acceptance in our school and at various events. We are extremely proud of you.
Best Wishes and Good Luck to all of our Year 6 Peace Ambassadors as they start their time at high school!
Ms Lynton