to call people to Onondaga Lake to pray for peace
Today, the need for peace on Earth is greater than ever.
Yet, peace seems ever elusive and impossible. Worldwide wars of terror between extreme religious and political fervors heighten tensions and deepen fear across America and around the Earth. Abuses by political, financial, military, and religious authority seem as uncontrolled and unrestrained as ever. Continued assault on the integrity and stability of Earth's living systems is near a "point of no return."
At the Festival, we create a Water Sanctuary in Long Branch Park, and hold full day of prayers, ceremonies and celebrations, ending with a Water Blessing Ceremony at the lakeshore. Anyone concerned to bring peace and healing to our planet is invited to participate.
Theme
Each year the Festival addresses a specific theme. 2009 will be
a gathering of healers and peacemakers
Speakers, prayers and performers are asked to focus their message on the people, principles and strategies to heal and birth of a new sustainable human social order.
Program
2007 can follow the general pattern of previous years' programs, with prayers for peace at the top of each hour, followed by talks to punctuate music on the stage. Speakers, storytellers, dances, videos, and other activities will be around the north and west sides of the mound. Vendors will setup on the mound. Special areas will offer full programs on The Earth Charter and Healing. The day ends with a procession to the water to bless the Peace Pilgrims and pour prayer water into the lake.
Prayer
* Beginning at the Opening Ceremony and throughout the Festival, each person is encouraged to offer a personal prayer for peace in the Water Prayer Sanctuary.
* The Festival ends with a Water Blessing ceremony at sunset on the lakeshore.
To help create the Festival, contact
David Yarrow
at dyarrow@nycap.rr.com
