The United Nations International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21 to symbolize the world’s desire for peace and harmony. In creating this observance, the U.N. recognized that peace “not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”

In a world with rising tensions and conflicts, there has never been a better time to remember how the U.N. General Assembly came together in 1999 to lay out the values needed for a culture of peace. So many of us have a difficult time watching the daily news. The truth is that we need to know that our family around the world is suffering so we can support them in prayer or in any way that the Spirit inspires.

Therefore, we invite you to join us in prayer at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel (White House chapel) at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. No RSVP is necessary.

Please direct questions to Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8890.