World Peace Blessing Ceremony in Bern, Switzerland

World Peace Blessing Ceremony At the Eglise Protestante Française of Bern Bern, Switzerland, 14. March 2015

The hall on top of the French Protestant Church in Berne was filled with joy for the World Peace Blessing in Bern 14.3.15 from 2 to 8:30 pm

T he MCs of the program, Mr. Family and World Peace Blessing “The family is the basic unit of a Roger Fankhauser and Ms. ceremony. Religious leaders offered Christian community. We see this Noemi Komagata, opened the prayers and remarks from the clearly in the New Testament when the gathering with a brief introduction of perspectives of their faith. Apostles journey to tell people about the event of the day and then passed Some of the remarks were given by the resurrection of Jesus. They on the floor to a group of talented Rev. William A. Mc Comish, dean baptised whole families, the family of young artists, amongst them, Mr. emeritus Of St. Peter’s Cathedral of Lydia is one example, and another is Michael Rawlence, , Elisa Geneva and Rabbi Aron Muller of the the prison governor at Philippi who Ingrosso Nathalie Komagata and Julia Jewish Community of Baden who were was baptised with his whole family Handschin. The youth had organized both represented by a member of the amid the ruins of his prison during the and prepared an exciting 30 minute congregation. night after an earthquake. His family program with songs and dances, that inspired and warmed up the atmosphere for the event that was about to unfold. The rich musical opening was followed by an introduction to the Blessing process, given by Ms. Chantal Chételat-Komagata, Secretary General of UPF – Switzerland. The presentation lasted 45 minutes and was given in German and French at the same time, and allowed the participants to understand the universal values underlying the event. This was followed by 6 religious representatives coming on stage to Chantal Chételat-Komagata: The Family as a Foundation for sustainable demonstrate unity and support among Peace and lasting Happiness. the religious communities for the

The following water ceremony had representatives of six faiths: Buddhism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islam, Christian Science and Unificationism.

would normally have included his wife The Blessing Ceremony started with The World Peace Blessing was then (or wives?), his children and his the Officiators, Rev. & Mrs. Heiner & proclaimed as being completed by the servants. Christianity has always been Carolyn Handschin entering the stage Officiators. a religion of communities and the most and conducting the important Holy The national leaders of FFWPU - important unit of these communities Wine ceremony as a first step of the Switzerland, Secretary General of UPF was the family. The relationships Blessing process, which meant the Switzerland and WFWP national within the family were changed, change of lineage and the engrafting to representatives and 3 district leaders deepened and made more tender by the True Love of God, our Heavenly came as couples all the way from the new faith”. Parent. Ticino, Geneva and Zurich-Aarau, and Rev. Dr. William A. Mc Comish Rev. & Mrs. Heiner & Carolyn joined with some community members Handschin, the Officiators, gave some and attended and supported this very The goal of humanity is harmony and brief explanation about the importance memorable and beautiful event. peace. Peace in Hebrew “Shalom” and of rededicating our marriages by This most memorable event ended in Arabic “Salaam” means centring them on the True Love of with a hearty snack joined by all the wholesomeness. This is also the God, thus realizing the best foundation 60-70 participants and the evening original goal of religions to promote for lasting happiness in our couple and ended in a warm and deep atmosphere humanity to utmost harmony. The a realistic hope for sustainable peace in of gratitude and happiness. basic tools in the human character in the world. Heartfelt thanks to all the actors who order to achieve this noble goal, are the All the couples present followed the have been offering their sincere heart qualities of love and humility. About Holy Wine ceremony and joined in the for various parts of the event like, the creation of the initial couple in the renewal of their engagement towards entertainment, the recordings, the biblical story it is justified by the fact each other through the engagement sound system, preparing the sushi and that being alone is not harmonious. It prayer. All couples held hands in the sandwiches in the kitchen, putting up is only by developing love and humility determination to centre their the banners, decorating the rooms, that human as different as man and marriages on the True Love of God. cleaning after the event, bringing food woman can create a most harmonious After this the Officiators sprinkled the and drinks, leading the different parts relationship. attending couples with Holy Water of the event, all were one in heart with Without harmony in one’s own private thus confirming the Blessing of accomplishing a great event. domain, one cannot fully radiate Heaven over these newly committed In the name of the organizing harmony to the world. With love and couples. committee, many thanks go to all humility that start at home, humanity Seven new couples and four participants and supporters for as a whole can reach its ideal individuals representing their couple investing wholeheartedly in this Swiss harmonious peace. renewed their marriage vows by taking ceremony of the World Peace Blessing Rabbi Aron Muller, Jewish part in this World Peace Blessing 2015 and for the beautiful and Community of Baden. ceremony. successful event that came out of it.

Holy Wine ceremony - Couples holding hands for the engagement prayrer

The Officiators sprinkle the Holy Water over all attending couples - Proclamation of Blessing by the Officiators

A final commemoration picture of all Blessing participants and supporting staff