Monday, November 12, 2007

Peace exhibit brings inspiring message of hope

A ‘TRAVELING EXHIBIT’ dubbed ‘Dear Peace’ will tour different schools and Church venues in Cebu and Mindanao on November 12-19, in an effort to promote hope and build cultural understanding between Christians and Muslims.

The exhibit, conveying an inspiring message of hope from the perspective of Christian and Muslim high school students shows paintings done by young students, as well as photographs and writings.

An essential part of the exhibit is a video documentary, an output of 29 Christian and Muslim students who participated in a Peace Camp organized by Communications Foundations for Asia (CFA) in Taytay, Rizal sometime in May 2006.

CFA organized the Peace Camp in collaboration with the Bishop-Ulama Conference, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue, National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Young Moro Professionals’ Network and the Ramon Avanceña High School (RAHS).

RAHS in Quiapo, is one of few public high schools in Metro Manila that has a significant number of Christian and Muslim students.

The documentary had its first screening at the RAHS conference room last September 21, during the celebration of International Day of Peace.

CFA President Fr. Filoteo Pelingon, MSC, praised the efforts being done by the students, saying that the nation’s current problems would be easier to solve if only people can see and understand through young people’s eyes.

He also emphasized the need “to discover one’s own light in order to be able to relate with one another in compassion, understanding and peace.”

CFA Executive director Teresita Hermano said forums and workshops that followed after the Peace Camp strengthened the positive outcome of the gathering.
She also said they hope to continue the interfaith project to promote peace and understanding.

CFA has opened the exhibit in public middle of October at Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas. Likewise, it has also been shown at Titus Brandsma Centre in Cubao, at Focolare Mariapolis Peace in Tagaytay and at CFA in Sta. Mesa.

The exhibit aimed to create greater awareness on how young people of different faiths can come together and work for peace.

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