Ireland’s communities unite to mark the UN International Day of Peace, with an opening address from Mary Robinson
More than 60 communities from across the whole island of Ireland came together to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace.
The gathering brought together representatives from diverse faiths, spiritual traditions, beliefs, peacemaking organisations, NGOs, and university chaplaincies, affirming a shared vision of peace, dignity, and respect for all.
The event was initiated by Lynda Morrissey, and convened by Adrian Cristea, Dublin City Interfaith Forum, Edwin Graham, Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum, and Lynda Morrissey, along with the technical support of Evans Mwangi from International Peace Initiatives.
There was wide and diverse representation, reflecting the breadth of faith, beliefs, and spiritual traditions present on this island and beyond. They included: Abrahamic Reunion, Amma Ireland, Bahá’í Community, Belfast Humanitarians, Catholic Church, Celtic Spirituality, Centering Prayer Communities, Church of Ireland, Church of Ireland Interfaith Working Group, Contemplative Outreach Ireland, Cork Three Faiths Forum, Corrymeela Community, DCU Chaplaincy, Dominicans (including Dominican Friars for Justice, Peace & Creation and Lumen Dominican Centre), Dublin City Interfaith Forum, Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation, Dromalis, Dzogchen Beara, Eco-Congregation, EcoSikh Ireland, Éire Vedanta Society, FCJ Spirituality House, Focolare Movement, Glendalough Sanctuary, Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation, Glenstal Abbey, Humanist Associations (including Northern Ireland Humanists), Indigenous Spirituality, Irish Celtic Spirituality, Irish Muslim Council, Irish Traveller Community, Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, Jewish Community, Knock Shrine, Kungfu.Life Shaolin Buddhism, Laudato Si’ Movement, Loreto Sisters, Lutheran Church in Ireland, Methodist Church, Mid-West Interfaith Network, Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, Muslim Communities, Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum, OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Orthodox Christian Traditions, Plum Village Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Presentation Brothers, Quakers Ireland (Religious Society of Friends), Sanctuary in Faith, The Sanctuary (Dublin), Shadhiliyya Sufi Community, Sikh Community, Slí Cholmcille, Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages, Spiritual but Not Religious Groups, St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Sufi Traditions (including Universal Sufi Community), Technological University Dublin Chaplaincy Team, Teresian Association, Triratna Buddhism, Trócaire, Unitarian Church, University of Limerick Chaplaincy, Zen Buddhism.
Former President of Ireland and member of The Elders, Mary Robinson, graced the gathering with an inspiring message of encouragement and hope, which uplifted the peace work of all the individuals and communities present.
In her opening address, Mary Robinson quoted article 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of [their] personality is possible.
She invited everyone present to really take this into their heart, to understand that individual fulfilment is inseparable from the wellbeing of others – that it is through solidarity, respect, and serving the dignity of every person that our common humanity is most fully realised.
Mary recalled the wisdom of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who called himself not an optimist but a “prisoner of hope.” Her words offered both encouragement and challenge: to see hope as a shared commitment to one another to unite together in determined action for a more beautiful, harmonious world.
Photo of friends present in-person for the gathering in The Windsor Hub © Belfast Focolare
Photo © The Elders
Alongside Mary Robinson’s contribution, we were all deeply moved and encouraged by the messages of support from the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and the Taoiseach Micheál Martin – affirming the vital role of interfaith solidarity in meeting the challenges of our time.
The evenings contributions then unfolded in the spirit of an offering, as both silence and voice were shared as a prayer for peace. In the words of our friends at Belfast Focolare: ‘representatives of many traditions offered prayers, readings, songs, and poems for peace, weaving together a rich tapestry of faith and spirit. Each voice brought its own beauty, yet together they gave expression to something greater—a harmony that emerges only when hearts are open and united. The evening strengthened our resolve to continue fostering peace, solidarity, and care for the earth across this island and beyond.’
Speaking after the gathering, organisers emphasised the ancient Irish saying: Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.
“Gatherings like these demonstrate the strength that lies in unity, and the hope that grows when we cultivate friendship and come together to plant seeds of peace and reconciliation in and with our communities.”
The event formed part of the wider All Island of Ireland Interfaith Gathering for Peace, which in recent years has brought together communities across faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds annually. It was also part of a wider series of peacebuilding events that have been taking place this week at the Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum and Dublin City Interfaith Forum.
As the world faces many challenges, gatherings like these stand as a reminder that peace is possible, and that faith and belief communities have a vital role in serving to bring solidarity and hope to our communities.
Gatherings like these inspire us all to strengthen the bonds of friendships and commit anew to the work of building an inclusive future for all who share this island — and beyond.
For further insight into the gathering you may read Belfast Focolare’s thoughtful reflections here: Focolare Ireland