Interfaith World Peace Prayer Ceremony in celebration of the International Day of Peace- Iwashimizu Hachimangu-JAPAN
The World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS) members in Kansai region including Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima had the third World Peace Prayer Ceremony at Iwashimizu Hachimangu (shrine) that are one of the most prestigious location in Japan. The shrine has a deep connection with royal family in historically and its chief of priest Rev. Tsunekiyo Tanaka is the chairperson of the All Japan Shinto Shrine Association.(one of the highest shrines in Japan).
The day was also featured as interfaith peace prayer event by participation of representatives of the highest Shinto Shrine, Buddhist temple, and Catholic Church as follows:
Rev. Nakamichi Nishi from Iwashmizu Hachimangu, Vice Executive Director, Enmyo Shishioh of the Hieizan Enryakuji, Buddhist priest, Executive Chairperson of the institute of the Koyasan mystical Buddhist sector, Rev. Hon-nen Nakamura and Father Alex Varickamackal,S.J. from Jesuits Spiritual Center at Nagatsuka in Hiroshima. Nagatsuka Monastery for Jesuits Hieizan and Koyasan are two of the highest Japanese Buddhism known historically.
Rev. Nishi
Rev. Shishio
Rev. Nakamura
WPPS members linked the world wide Peace Mass of Catholic church at Jesuits Spiritual Center at Nagatsuka in Hiroshima in July when Pope Francis was in Poland and three million youth participated. WPPS members dedicated a World Peace Prayer Ceremony to the worldwide masses and received a very positive response from the church members! Speeches were made by the guests of honor.
Rev. Tsunekiyo Tanaka of Iwashimizu Hachimangu gave his blessings and announced, “I am happy that such a wonderful event is taking place!”
Rev. Nishi of Iwashimizu Hachimangu said, “our peace prayer is much needed in this conflicted world.”
Rev. Enmyo of the Hieizan Enryakuji shared that their interfaith summit started to succeed the spirit of Assisi and has been doing so, every August 4th, for the past 29 years. They also attended International Meetings of ‘Prayers for Peace’ that celebrated its 30th anniversary with attendance by the Pope.