Prayers for peace

A LUNCHTIME Prayer Vigil was held at the Barkly Square Peace Pole last week to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima Day, 6 August.

The vigil was organised by Ballarat Interfaith Network, Let’s Talk Peace Ballarat, and Compassionate Ballarat, with the support of BGT Jobs & Training Ballarat and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council (BRMC).

People of all faiths gathered at 12.30pm with the intention to support efforts to abolish nuclear weapons on the Worldwide 4th Annual Nuclear Prayer Day.

“We were very lucky,” said Madonna Quixley, Co-convenor, Let’s Talk Peace Ballarat, National Peace Sector Lead, Australian Charter for Compassion.

“It rained during the morning then, just before 12.30 the clouds parted, and the sun came out.

“We were very pleased with the number of people who attended from all walks of life.

For the love of peace: Thirty-four people of different faiths attended the Lunchtime Prayer Vigil on Hiroshima Day, adding their support to an end to war and the abolishment of nuclear weapons. Photo: SUPPLIED

“We heard a variety of different prayers from different faiths and Belinda Coates read the moving poem ‘Wage Peace’.

“In these troubled times, now more than ever, we need to renew our efforts to unite around our commonalities – especially our love for peace.

“Charter for Compassion is a partner with Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons which inaugurated this day of prayer and reflection.

“Following the gathering, many people joined us for coffee at the Barkley Square café and told us of their experiences and how they were moved by the vigil and the stories from others.

“There were some amazing stories including some from people who had been to Hiroshima which had a massive effect on them.

“May we never again experience nuclear war.”