As the International Day of Peace (September 21), Campaign Nonviolence Action Days (September 21–October 2), and the Season of Creation (September 1-October 4) approach, the Franciscan Peace Center is inviting congregations, organizations, and individuals to mark the occasion with a newly published resource guide: a rich collection of ways to pray, reflect, play, create, read, watch, listen, advocate, explore, and connect around the work of peace and nonviolence.
The guide offers something for every kind of engagement. Pray with the Center's own International Day of Peace Hourly Prayers, focused on eight justice issues from nuclear disarmament to human trafficking, along with prayer cards, novenas, and a Season of Creation reflection guide from partner congregations. Reflect on peace and nonviolence through video series from the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, and watch the Center's virtual "Walking for Peace Across the USA" project. Play a round of Campaign Nonviolence Jeopardy or explore peace-building games for classrooms and communities.
For hands-on engagement, the Create section features peace cranes, peace flags, coloring pages, and the "Whirled Peace" pinwheel campaign against violence. Readers will find articles, books, and journal recommendations in Read, as well as panel discussions, podcasts, and webinars in Watch & Listen. The Learn & Advocate section connects people to ongoing advocacy opportunities, including the Center's own Action Alert Digest, Pace e Bene's Rise & Shine campaign, and NETWORK’s Squads for local organizing, and more.
Rounding out the guide are sections to Explore partner organizations, encounter Art, Dance, and Music that give voice to nonviolence, Educate children and students, and Connect with peacebuilding networks across the country.
Whether gathering for a single prayer service or committing to action across the full two weeks, this guide offers a starting point for every audience: from young children to seasoned advocates. Explore the full guide here: https://clintonfranciscans.com/international-day-of-peace-resource-guide
