SOPP 2012 global interfaith event in Manila

The 8th annual global interfaith event, Symphony of Peace Prayers (SOPP) was once again celebrated in Manila, Philippines on May 20, 2012 (Sunday) 3:00pm in the afternoon at the Samba-Likhaan Open Grounds of the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM), Cathedral Heights, Episcopalian Mission Center, Quezon City. The event was organized yearly by the Mandala Peace Arts Initiative (MPAI) and The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. (TPCFI), with support from  Byakko Shinko Kai, and in cooperation with some new partners, AILM and the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE). More than 80 people from different faith communities, grassroots youth groups, peace organizations, and individuals gathered together for the occasion.

The program this year was simple yet so refreshing because it was held for the first time outdoors in an ideal venue called Samba-Likhaan (which roughly means "worship-creation"). The Samba-Likhaan Open Grounds is described as "an oasis in the heart of the city... an open-terraced performance circle surrounded by typical Filipino country cottages of wood, capiz windows and tiled roof bamboo, and other tropical trees that have grown lush through the years."  Indeed it was a cool, verdant atmosphere where art and spirituality have always been celebrated in.

Upon arrival and registration, each participant was handed a flag card of a particular country, and was requested to write a small mandala for peace with the words: "Everything is sure to get better. Everything is absolutely getting better." 

Interfaith prayers were led by representatives from various faiths, namely: indigenous tradition (Ms. Genie Kupang from Mt. Province), Hindu (Dr. Shakuntala Vaswani of TPCFI), Ananda Marga (Didi Ananda Kala), Brahma Kumaris (Bro. John Dowling), Tibetan Buddhist (Mr. Reimon Cosare of TPCFI) and Islam (Engr. Faisal Sharief of Quiapo community). Dr. Mina Ramirez of the Asian Social Institute (ASI), the Christian representative also offered special prayers for peace and harmony between the Philippines and China (and all other countries under territorial disputes), in line with current issues between the two nations. The Prayer for a World Free from Conflict and Prayer for Harmony between Humanity and Nature were also read by MPAI members, Marlon Nacianceno and Jake Batoon.

The president of Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM), Dr. Francisco Feliciano, a musician himself, conveyed his enthusiasm in hosting the SOPP, saying that he never hesitated the first time he came to know about it because of the words "symphony" and "prayers" which are almost synonymous to "music" and "liturgy" for which the school was established. 


Dance performances presented by the children and youth from two interfaith grassroots communities, the Muslim-Christian Youth for Peace and Unity (MCYPU) from Culiat-Quezon City, and the Muslim-Christian Youth for Peace and Development (MCYPD) from Tala-Caloocan City.

The highlight of the event was the World Peace Prayer ceremony led by Mr. Mario "Toots" Fungo where each the participants placed their written mandala and assigned flag card on the center around the Peace Pole as the name of the country designated to each one was called. The participative ceremony engaged everyone in an on-the-spot co-creation of a mandala of world flags and written prayers. Everyone then joined hands in a circle of sacred silence. Some participants said that they felt the energy of the collective intentions of the group rising up to heaven, joining the SOPP prayers of others around the world, and blessing the Earth all together with peace and healing.

As if assisted by the heavens, the activity flowed smoothly just as, at the right timing, the heat of the summer sun was covered by the clouds to provide shade for all, while the looming rain did not pour during the activity and only until after the event was finished.

 

The occasion was capped off with joyful, spontaneous community dancing, friendly conversation, and sharing of vegetarian snacks lovingly prepared by the Ananda Marga Yoga Society.

Infinite Gratitude to all participating groups and individuals, and also to members from the Manila Muslim Christian Community Peacemakers, Inc. (MMCCPAI) of Quiapo; Muslim & Christian Unity for Peace & Progress (MCUPP) of Taguig City; SangHabi; Integral Art Metta, Inc.; and Shumei-Philippines.

Kapayapaan Nawa'y Manaig sa Daigdig! 


May Peace On Earth Prevail!




See more photos @ https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.417854474912439.99769.155552897809266&type=3


(A report by Orlan de Guzman, Jr.)