A Decade of Praying for Peace

For Native peoples, the circle is powerful because it represents a continuous line without a defined beginning of an end; the circle of life. 

The circle can represent a hug or the breaking of divisions among us.  It is in this type of unity, in knowing that there are others beside us, that we are able to experience the presence of our Creator.

For many others, it is a deep symbol of peace.

It is in this context that we are invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Prayer Circle for Peace on Wednesday, September 21, in front of the UNM Bookstore, from 5:30 to 6:00 pm.

Vigil on Sept. 14, 2011

"We've been holding a place for peace every Wednesday since September 2001," said Judy Bierbaum, one of the organizers. "All are welcome."

The vigil has some meaningful history.  It was started as an alternative (or a complement) to the protests against the invasion of Iraq.  

And the vigil took on a deeper meaning during the weeks and months that Judy Bierbaum was in federal prison for her protests against the School of the Americas.

Some people are there consistently, others come when they can. Sometimes there are three individuals praying for peace, sometimes there are a dozen or more. And I suspect the latter will be true on 10th anniversary on Sept. 21.  Whether this is your first time, or whether you haven't been there in a long time (like me), or whether you're a regular,  I hope to see you there!