Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Pako Festa in Geelong West
Shirley Caroll & Monsignor James Murray
At the end of February was the annual multicultural festival, Pako Festa, in Geelong. We have a huge ethnic population who come out in force to present aspects of their culture in varied ways including a huge Parade, food stalls lining Pakington St, dance, singing, arts, crafts, etc. It's a wonderful day bringing all people together as one.
Our Geelong Interfaith Network always has a tent where different faiths can have their brochures for people to take and for conversation to occur. We often help decorate the tent in some way to become a more eye catching venue. Only minimal this year with the focus being the Parliament of World Religions Mandala, and art work from the World Peace Prayer Society. A beautiful combination.
Many people were fascinated by the mandala and even if many did not come and comment, there was a constant stream of onlookers as they passed, paused and then moved to stage venues or food stalls.
At the end of February was the annual multicultural festival, Pako Festa, in Geelong. We have a huge ethnic population who come out in force to present aspects of their culture in varied ways including a huge Parade, food stalls lining Pakington St, dance, singing, arts, crafts, etc. It's a wonderful day bringing all people together as one.
Our Geelong Interfaith Network always has a tent where different faiths can have their brochures for people to take and for conversation to occur. We often help decorate the tent in some way to become a more eye catching venue. Only minimal this year with the focus being the Parliament of World Religions Mandala, and art work from the World Peace Prayer Society. A beautiful combination.
Many people were fascinated by the mandala and even if many did not come and comment, there was a constant stream of onlookers as they passed, paused and then moved to stage venues or food stalls.
The art work from children around the world was also a drawcard. These were colourful and all radiating the message May Peace Prevail On Earth.
One of our interfaith members had some stones, so we found some marker pens and encouraged people to write positive words on the stones and take them home to place in their garden, or maybe place on their desks as paperweights. A very popular activity.
One of our interfaith members had some stones, so we found some marker pens and encouraged people to write positive words on the stones and take them home to place in their garden, or maybe place on their desks as paperweights. A very popular activity.
About Me
Peace Flag Ceremony
Offering the universal prayer "May Peace Prevail On Earth" for each country of the world, symbolically using the flag of each nation.