If we look around us,there is so much unrest and animosity amongst fellow beings. Disputes in families, leading to so many broken families, quarrels and tussles among neighbours at times, even because of silly reasons, States having issues with one another for sharing river waters and also the earmarked boundaries and worst of all nations bombarding other nations killing thousands of innocent civilians, thus igniting the fears of another World War.
We all know, peace and harmony are fundamental for a thriving society, allowing individuals to coexist and prosper while pursuing their own goals without fear of conflict or violence. A peaceful and harmonious environment fosters cooperation, understanding and mutual respect, leading to a more stable and prosperous world.
For us as individuals, peace and harmony contribute to individual wellbeing by reducing stress and tensions, promoting mental and physical health and fostering a sense of security and belonging. A peaceful society allows for free exchange of ideas, collaboration on common goals and the pursuit of social and economic development. Ensuring social justice, equality and respect for human rights is very much the need of the hour in ensuring lasting peace.
Peace and harmony between nations are crucial for preventing conflicts, promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges like inequality and poverty. Social and economic inequalities, discrimination based on race, religion or other factors such as extremism and terrorist acts can create tension and resentment, undermining peace.
Peace and harmony are not merely the absence of war or conflict or rather they are active states of being, that require continuous efforts and commitment from individuals, communities and nations. By promoting understanding, justice and working hand in hand to address the root causes of conflict, we can definitively create a world where peace and harmony prevail. For these thoughts to materialise and turn into realities we need to pray fervently and seek God’s blessings.
Aquem Parish was fortunate to have had a centurion as one of our parishioners. Late Maria Leonilda Viegas e Costa, born on 16/09/1920, passed away peacefully on 23/06/2025, at a very ripe age. God blessed her with good health till the very end. We praise and thank God for the gift of our sister and pray for her eternal rest in heaven. We also convey our condolences to her bereaved family members.
– Felix Dias