Our Prince of Peace

Dear WDP sisters, friends & ecumenical partners,
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We are fast approaching the end of 2017, and we do have many joys and blessings to count!

• In August, we had our International Meeting with 188 delegates from the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions representing 81 countries in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Inspired by the theme of the 2018 WDP celebration written by the Suriname women, we reflected on the global environmental crisis and committed to be caretakers of God’s creation.
  
  
• The Philippines was the focus country of our 2017 program and we were able to share the stories from 99 countries who gathered to celebrate, raise awareness and express solidarity with the Filipino people. Read the stories in the 2017 Journal!

Now, encouraged by the Suriname theme, we affirm “All God’s Creation is Very Good!”, and we repeat it in Sranan Tongue - “A heri grontapu di Gado meki bun doro, dóro!” Let’s take this message to our hearts, and move the world with our prayers.

During the Christmas season, my family and I have a special tradition. Do you know about the tradition of passing the light of Bethlehem from one Parish to another? The flame is taken from the candle at the grotto of Bethlehem and is shared all around the world as a sign that the Prince of Peace is shining everywhere. Usually the flame arrives in France during the second week of Advent with the help of the young Scouts. Then we receive the flame, and we keep it until Christmas arrives.
When passing the flame, we remember that Jesus was not born in a comfortable house or hospital, that the political situation was not stable or peaceful, that Bethlehem is still a little town with inhabitants who need our prayers. You too may light a candle and remember in your prayers all the suffering of this world, and welcome the Prince of Peace singing with the angels.

​“Praise God in heaven! Peace on Earth to everyone who pleases God.”
(Gospel of Luke 2.14)

Sisters and friends, may we celebrate the baby Jesus born to be the Prince of Peace! May we grow in our faith and became the witnesses of peace and love, in our families, neighborhoods, cities or villages, country, churches, or workplace and “by this shall all men, all women know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35)

Thank you for your commitment, your engagement, your help, and your support to World Day of Prayer.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you,
​Laurence Gangloff, WDPIC Chairperson