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A visit to the Peace Abbey
by John Dear SJ on Oct. 20, 2009
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Printer-friendly versionSend to friendPDF versionWith many others, the news last week that President Obama had received the Nobel Peace Prize left me dismayed. Out he stepped from the Oval Office to accept the prize, then back in he went to continue his preparations to send tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan. There, under his orders, they’ll drop bombs, follow their drones, make sweeps through villages and terrorize children. Not my idea of a peacemaker.
In fact, he’s conducting two wars, in Afghanistan and Iraq, and rumors continue of an attack on Iran. Obama’s war budget exceeds that of even George W. Bush. No peace can come from this, only decades more of brutal war, poverty, terrorism, and fear.
A new president, a shiny peace prize dangling off his neck -- but little has changed. I understand why Europeans support him so earnestly, but his administration maintains our imperial war machine. It wreaks havoc, wastes billions, breeds terrorists, rewards corrupt bankers, and plants the seeds of our own economic collapse. Over 4,000 American lives have been lost, and who knows how many Iraqi and Afghani. A day of war in Iraq costs us $720 million. On the Afghani conflict, since 2001, we’ve spent $223 billion.
It baffles many of us that the head of such a warlike juggernaut should win a prize ordained for those who make peace. But then I remember: Gandhi never received one; neither did Thich Nhat Hanh, Dorothy Day, nor Dan and Phil Berrigan. On the other hand, they handed one to Henry Kissinger and, in 1938, they thought seriously about awarding one to Hitler.
Dorothy Stang, Jean Donovan, Steve Biko, Franz Jagerstatter—those who expend their lives, some of whom suffer martyrdom for making peace, are usually unheralded and unsung. Such is the way for most nonviolent peacemakers.
I learned more about such great peacemakers last month when I visited the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. Here is a true oasis of peace and nonviolence. And here over the decades they’ve given the “Courage of Conscience” award to an astonishing list of peacemakers: Mother Teresa and Thich Nhat Hanh, Pete Seeger and Maya Angelou, Dr. Paul Farmer and Kathy Kelly -- people who work in a variety of ways to end the culture of war and poverty.
Part school, part peace center, and part museum, the Peace Abbey is dedicated to the world’s greatest peacemakers, and features books, pictures and artifacts (such as Archbishop Romero’s glasses and blood-stained alb). Outside on the lawn is a memorial garden with two giant statues -- one of Gandhi and one of Mother Teresa -- and with plaques bearing the quotes of some of our greatest peacemakers.
It was Mother Teresa herself who inspired the launching of the Peace Abbey. She had come in 1988 to visit the Life Experience School, its peace school and community for disabled students. After her visit, organizer Lewis Randa and his friends added a museum, library, multi-faith chapel and memorial to inspire the students and other visitors. Now it has become a landmark, a sign of what we could be if we all dared.
These days, the Peace Abbey takes in guests and offers weekly interfaith peace prayer services. It hosts lectures and periodically presents its “Courage of Conscience” award. It administers the National Registry for Conscientious Objectors and provides a cemetery to honor those who had refused to fight. It operates the Veganpeace Animal Sanctuary (for rescued animals from a nearby slaughterhouse) as well as an Animal Rights Memorial.
The Life Experience School has evolved into the Special Peace Corps, with twelve members engaged in service work in the local community. The Peace Abbey also sponsors Stonewalk, the sober procession of a carved stone dedicated to “All Unknown Civilians Killed in War.” I know of no other memorial to the millions of non-military sisters and brothers who have died from the privations and ordnance of war.
Their mission statement reads:
The Peace Abbey is dedicated to creating innovative models for society that empower individuals on the paths of nonviolence, peacemaking, and cruelty-free living. We offer a variety of programs and resources that teach, inspire and encourage one to speak out and act on issues of peace and social justice. Faith in action is the cornerstone of our fellowship and activist pacifism is our creed.
My heart lifted and I breathed easier as I walked through the buildings filled with sacred peace memorabilia -- a wall of books about Gandhi, pews in the chapel dedicated to the peace tradition within every religion, photos of peacemakers from around the world on the wall. In one room is the Peacemakers Table, where a silent interfaith prayer is held before the presentation of the award. Here has prayed a wide array of extraordinary people: Mother Teresa, Daniel Berrigan, Thich Nhat Hanh, Muhammad Ali, and Maya Angelou.
Maya Angelou said after her visit: "God put the rainbow in the clouds so even in the dreariest of times we would know there is hope. And that is why The Peace Abbey is here."
Mother Teresa said: "My prayer is that this school continues to prepare its children to become peacemakers in our troubled world -- the true peace that comes from loving and caring and respecting the rights of everyone -- my brother, my sister."
I was moved most especially as I prayed over the graves of the Conscientious Objectors, which included my late friends Tom Lewis and Dave Dellinger. I was humbled that evening to receive the award, along with Suzanne Belote Shanley and Brayton Shanley from the nearby Agape Community.
Lewis Randa, founder and leader of the Peace Abbey, himself one of the truly great peacemakers, has kept the ship afloat despite little advertising or fundraising. A few years ago, as the Abbey foundered, on the verge of closing, Yoko Ono sent a large donation. A vote of confidence; she, too, wants to keep the Peace Abbey going.
The place achieved national attention in 1995, when they rescued a cow on the lam from death row. Not far from the Abbey is a slaughter-house and “Emily,” as she was later named, leaped the five foot tall fence and made her way toward freedom. For weeks she lay low in the woods, and for weeks the media stoked the story. Where is Emily?
Emily was found finally, and the Peace Abbey offered her sanctuary, to which the slaughterhouse reluctantly agreed. For eight years Emily lived the retired life in a fine barn and attracted crowds of visitors and well-wishers.
When she died finally, a few years ago, the Abbey erected a statue of her to remind us of the dignity of all of God’s creatures, and to lift up the vision of Isaiah and St. Francis—we are to live at peace with all creation. Emily was truly a “sacred cow.”
With such warmth and basic humanity, the Peace Abbey radiates peace. It makes nonviolence feel “normal.” It inspires visitors to join the movement and become peacemakers.
I wish every church, university and monastery could become like the Peace Abbey, a center of nonviolence that upholds peacemakers and inspires students and visitors to live the life of peace, nonviolence, compassion and love. I urge everyone to visit it someday, and to learn its lessons of peace. Together, all of us can aspire to the heights of peace and nonviolence -- and be re-energized to work for the immediate end of our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
***
For further information, see: www.peaceabbey.org. This week, John will speak in Kona, on the big island of Hawaii, on his way toward a national speaking tour of New Zealand. John’s latest books, A Persistent Peace and Put Down the Sword, along with Patricia Normile’s John Dear On Peace are available from www.amazon.com. Next month, Orbis Books will publish his new collection, Daniel Berrigan: Essential Writings. For further information, and to schedule a speaking event, see: www.johndear.org.
"With many others, the news
"With many others, the news last week that President Obama had received the Nobel Peace Prize left me dismayed."
I would think Fr. John was a little smarter than this. I mean no offense to him, but Father John, let me tell you, if the gangster/terrorist/murderer Yassir Arafat can win the Peace Prize, then the Peace Prize is basically meaningless. It is nothing more than a stamp of politically correct approval.
Not only is Obama going to continue waging war, but even up until now he has done nothing that deserves special recognition in the way a 'peace prize' is meant to do.
I'm sure all of us could name a least a dozen other people more qualified for the prize than our president is. Personally, although I disagree with some of his positions, I think Fr. John here has a better claim to it than Obama does. At least Fr. John doesn't talk out both sides of his mouth about peace and war like our president is so fond of doing.
point of concord: The
point of concord:
The Reverend Father John Dear SJ winning the Nobel Peace Prize restores meaning and significance and honor to the for-hire Nobel.
that "gangster/terrorist/murderer" Kissinger got it??
see Trivia-Library.com on this!
So.
How do I nominate Fr. John?
Frere Charles, Good luck
Frere Charles, Good luck getting Fr. John Nominated. It isn't impossible to get him nominated, his partner in the peace movement, Africa's Archbishop Tutu nominated him last year and the committee didn't select him.
Unfortunately, John didn't get the votes he needed to win last year.
Cry Pax!
oh well as they say: Next
oh well
as they say:
Next year, Jerusalem!
I personally think people
I personally think people shouldn't nominate him at all, nor anyone else who may actually DESERVE the prize. The peace prize lately has been sullied to the point where it is meaningless. They can keep giving the peace prize to the politically correct if they want.
A new prize, perhaps called the "Prize for those who actually DID something to bring about peace and didn't just prostitute themselves to political correctness", should be instituted next year.
Sure, there have been people who deserved the peace prize who got it, but do you really want to give Fr. John an award that basically say "Congrats! You're as big a help to peace as the PLO murderer Arafat!"
Yes, I disagree with Fr. John on some things, but I respect him more than THAT.
I wish I had the time and the
I wish I had the time and the money to go to a retreat at the Peace Abbey.
It is really sickening me that those people who call themselves followers of the one called Jesus, the Christ, believe that his sanctity is so far out of our reach that we can wage war in his name. I wish that there really is a plan and that God will end this "experiment" gone mad.
The old saying "if you can't beat them, join them." is evidenced by what has happened to the Church. If Constantine, whose mother was a Christian" couldn't become a Christian, then making all Christians Roman was the only way that he could become Christian. Water down the difference between the followers of Jesus and the supporters of Constantine and you can't tell where Christianity ended and the Empire began.
Please forgive me for being so down, but having attended Catholic Schools were the teachings of Jesus were ignored in favor of waving flags in our church has made me wonder why God would allow us to call ourselves disciples without proving to Jesus our love.
When Jesus asked Simon Peter if he, Simon, loved Jesus and he said that he did. Jesus told him to feed his lambs and sheep as proof.
Peace!
this article inspires and
this article inspires and strengthens me to dedicate my unique trans-border presence to one of peace and nonviolence, with vegetarianism and following the direct, authentic commandments of Our Lord Jesus Christ (and his brother James!).
I can say no more, as this is far more eloquently and cogently expressed in the brilliant and edifying writings of the Reverend Father John Dear SJ, including Jesus the Rebel, etc. Read there what I shall commit myself to living here, until more powerful forces intervene.
The peace garden with stone walk has been blooming wonderful, and the winter chard is sprouting.
Read please Father John Dear, always. His is a great joy and strength, and clarity far beyond mine.
Perhaps this process of conversion will even lead me to a greater nonviolence, tolerance and peace within these comments.
Forgive us our offenses as we forgive.
ever
frère charles du désert
May we discern the peaceful
May we discern the peaceful choice, with every step of our journey.
I can understand your dismay
I can understand your dismay with President Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Many people were surprised by this. But remember that he did not ask for this honor. Deserving or not, could he really refuse the gift? Just by the nature of the job description itself (Commander-in-chief of the military) how could any president of the U.S. be a real peace maker? A real peace maker wouldn't even have a military.
I thought it was very humble of you to mention only that you were visiting the Peace Abbey, when you yourself were being honored and awarded for your peace efforts. And well deserved - that was.
Peace is an honorable and wonderful focus. Personally, I choose love first and believe (without a doubt) that peace will follow.
The one who got robbed of
The one who got robbed of this year's Nobel Peace Prize was clearly the Reverend Father Miguel D'Escoto of the Maryknoll Foreign Mission Society (which we celebrated Sunday) in recognition of his courageous and prophetic work for international and global justice and peace as recent President of the UN General Assembly, discovering to his sadness that he was blocked in committee and the security council on all of his most meaningful efforts, particularly for Gaza.
Padre Miguel should have won it, and did in my heart.
In the least, now that the Vatican opens the barn to right-wing Anglicans, they should restore his public priestly powers. If those SSPPX dudes can get restored from actual, you know, excommunication, without a word of repentence out of them, then hey, be kind to this ancient and great and always faithful actual Roman Catholic priest!
The Vatican voiding this sacerdotal office of all meaning anyway, might at least restore it to those few for whom it still holds meaning, including the Reverend Father Ernesto Cardenal, former student of Thomas Merton himself!
Read your Gospel in Solentiname today.
frère charles du désert OSB OBLAT (Congrégation de Subiaco)
I understand Fr. John's
I understand Fr. John's impatience and baffelment. There are many contemporary peacemakers worthy of the peace prize. Since I am not as articulate as most of you wrinting comments, I would like to pass on the Christian Science Monitor's editorial take on the peace prize awarded our President."It is not to recognize past success but to support someone's current efforts. Like strengthening international diplomacy and cooperation among peoples,and improve on the process of everyone getting along in the world". And what about his working for justice and human rights the world over. Important stuff that has to be done while attending to the ardous and promised withdrawal from Iraq and putting his mind, heart and soul into efforts to bring the Afghanistan war to an end.
He does not appear to me as someone thinking about prizes or accolades. I think he wants to use the power he has been given as leader of this nation to work for peace and justice all over the globe.
The workings of such thins are complex and all in Washington are not like-minded. He cannot do it alone. But, I and many, believe he will not give up on this dream and will work untireingly to see it to fruition. Let us not give up on him so soon but do what we can to support the dream with prayer and action.13
One thing I continually
One thing I continually admire about so many liberals is their general willingness to speak out when they disagree rather than feel they have to defend something that is indefensible, just because it is "their guy" or their party. It sometimes does complicate getting things done and things may look more chaotic, but it is better than the falling in line, keeping to and promoting the talking points. And worst yet, believing those talking points, no matter how rediculous they are.
However, keep in mind that if you are upset with Obama winning the nobel, be upset with the nobel committee, and don't blame Obama - its not as if he campaigned for it. If you are upset with some of his policies, well that is a different matter, I understand. Peace and prayers and prayers for peace.
Father, you need to be more
Father, you need to be more in tune with the actual happenings. President Obama has a plan to move troops our of Iraq. He certainly does not have any plans to go into Iran. He is carefully weighing the situation in Afganistan. All of which he inherited from GW. Bush. He voted against the war in Iraq.
I love you Father John, but get the facts straight before you pontificate against our President.
After reading so many
After reading so many apologia about Obama's astonishing news -- and I haven't heard anyone admit, even those who deride the Peace Prize as either hopelessly precatory or even meaningless, and who thus should not have been surprised by the Committee's decision this year -- only Father John has captured the essence and the authentic message, and combined it with a vivid reminder of why we walk the earth, and why our lives have meaning only when we pick up our cross and follow Him. Peace, my dear friend.
Thank you Fr. John for this
Thank you Fr. John for this article.
I am always inspired by your writing, though sometimes I disagree, I always see where you are coming from.
One point I would like to make about the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to President Obama; though it is an award it is political. I wish they would call it the Nobel Peace Accountability Lasso, for accuracy's sake. In accepting the award, actions which go against being a peacemaker discredit the institution and the recipient, as you highlighted. But I do believe that the position of U.S. President and the man Barak Obama, have the potential to create peace in a real way. I think that the international community recognizes this, and the Nobel Committee recognize this. So, like Wonder Woman with her Lasso of Truth, Obama is now in the holding of the Nobel Peace Accountability Lasso. May he be held to high standards. Let's ask him to go to the Peace Abbey, and lay his medal there, and make earnest efforts to joining the ranks of the peacemakers celebrated there.
The Nobel Peace Prize has
The Nobel Peace Prize has lost it's meaning years ago and you wonder if Norway isn't making fun of us. Jimmy Carter was awarded the prize for "in your face" to Pres. Bush. We didn't like Bush but awarding the prize to Carter was a chidish statement. Then there are all the others that were honored, you know their names.
You can pretend to be very intellectual and see, in awful people, hidden graces no one else can see. (I'm not suggesting Obama is awful.) I do think President Obama is trying but he has inherited a terrible situation, a dozen terrible situations.
The Nobel Committee has lost their way or is actually trying to cause trouble. Tragic, this was established by an honorable caring man. We need to not pay that much attention anymore. I was dismayed but I keep up hope that some day our president will deserve this and we have to stay with him and pray for him.
Given that President Obama,
Given that President Obama, himself, wondered why he won the award, I think we can conclude that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee was and is playing a game to gather publicity for itself.
Mary O'd has it right: "The Nobel Committee has lost their way or is actually trying to cause trouble."
We should also recognize that Pres. Obama has only had 9 months to change policies that were vigorously implanted for nearly 7 years under false pretenses.
If he wants to just bring home the troops and let both countries devolve into massive civil wars of bloodshed and mayhem...is that even trying to be a peacemaker?
On top of the wars, there was the economy...by necessity that required first attention because if it tanked completely as it was about to; the President would have encountered a situation in which, while unlikely but as close to probable since JFK's Cuban standoff and much too close to risk, world war may have erupted.
President Obama needs all the help he can get from each and every US citizen and some prayers may just help.
The one thing I really admire
The one thing I really admire about John Dear is that he will continue to proclaim the fullness of the Gospel, even though people will always discourage him from doing so!
Every week he posts here truly honest, truly scriptural posts.
And every week there will be people who say, "You misread the catechism; Jesus didn't really mean that to apply to us; That's just unrealistic; You've got your facts wrong, etc. etc."
But Fr. John just keeps telling the truth!
Blessed be you Fr. John, I wish I had your courage and strength! You're a wild man - May God grant you to keep burning with His Holy passion! Your writings always bring so much consolation to ordinary people thirsty for reality, thirsty for Christ's peace, thirsty for the real Gospel - one that's hard to chew, full of persecutions, and rich with high ideals.
I was astonished to see
I was astonished to see (think) that in 1938 "they" seriously considered awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Hitler. Where could I read more about that??? Thanks! Conrad
Eugene Volokh, a professor of
Eugene Volokh, a professor of law at UCLA Law School, penned an essay for the L.A. Times in 2005 titled: Who Doesn't Have a Nobel Prize Nomination?
He wrote:
We're used to prize nominations signifying relatively broad acclaim, as for an Oscar. When a nomination means nothing other than a recommendation from a professor (or even a few professors and a legislator), that should to be made clear.
Wikipedia notes that: "nomination requires only support from one qualified person."
On Hitler, Wikipedia says, "Adolf Hitler was nominated in 1939 by Erik Brandt, a member of the Swedish Parliament. Brandt retracted the nomination after a few days."
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