Dear Friends,
I am sitting here with the Interfaith Peace Garden, grateful for its birth, the launching of its website, and the seeds of generosity now planted and beginning to grow. It all began in Spring 2005. The Sisters of Social Service were preparing for Pentecost and the golden and silver jubilees of its members. Over the years, I had numerous opportunities to ponder the meaning of Jubilee. One ancient intent is that it is to be a time for honoring the land, forgiving debts, refraining from harm, showing compassion, and relying on the providence of God. This, as well as my ministry in related movements, became the inspiration for the Interfaith Peace Garden.
So, included in my invitation to the event, was a small card that stated, in part: ""Jubilees and anniversaries always offer a question: to give or not to give? For some of us gift-giving is customary; for others it is not. I myself this year prefer no gifts - just your prayer and jubilee celebration attendance. Yet, there is a way all of us can gift our world in a local way: if gift-giving is customary for you, please do so in the form of a little SEED money for the INTERFAITH PEACE GARDEN......."
Much to my surprise and delight, by mail, Seeds came and continued to come and began to multiply. They ranged from a large anonymous free-will-offering to a $1.00 donation, a "widow's mite". It became apparent, as an accompanying note stated; "This is an idea whose time has come." Today the Interfaith Peace Garden is a collaborative enterprise. At the moment, it is tended by a small group of Sisters of Social Service and Associates of the Sisters of Social Service. Our work and prayer is directed toward the practicals of growing both the beauty of the little piece of land and the programs that are the Interfaith Peace Garden. By this means, we share with you our hope for our world.
It is Benedict, the monk and holy person, who developed the Rule of St. Benedict from which flows benedictine spirituality. He lived at the beginning of the 5th century in present-day Italy. The Roman Empire was at its end. In this context, Benedict's way attracted many followers, women and men, who established monasteries all over Europe. These became centers of rest, non-violence, learning and culture in violent and troubled times. People were always welcome, to stay a day or stay a lifetime. And as they approached every monastery, at the entrance they were greeted with a big sign "PAX": Peace within and peace to the world.
In closing, then, we of the Interfaith Peace Garden wish you PEACE.
Sister Anne Field SSS
Letters from the Garden ©2007
