Events taking place to voice concern at wars in Ukraine and the Middle East
Interfaith minister Patricia Higgins is staging the events as she believes many people want to ‘act for peace’
An Inishowen-based interfaith minister is hosting a series of events to allow people to discuss how to respond to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Patricia Higgins is staging the events as she believes many people want to “act for peace”, but don’t know how.
The events, titled Making Space for Peace, begin with an Advent peace walk on Inishowen Head on Sunday, December 3 from 2pm to 3.30pm, starting from the Inishowen Head Car Park. The events continue with a workshop in Greencastle Community Centre on Wednesday, December 6 from 7.30pm to 9pm. She’s leading a second Advent peace walk on Saturday, December 9 in Buncrana, along the Shorefront at 2pm, starting from The Exchange in Castle Street. Patricia is running the workshop and walks as part of her Rewilding Faith project. “Rewilding Faith offers people ways to connect with others and with their sense of God- whatever that might be – beyond institutional churches.”
The Greencastle workshop on December 6 will include meditation, small group sharing, and practical guidance on responding as individuals to these terrible wars. Patricia said the workshop will close with a short candlelight ceremony “to express the hope that we can bring some light to the world”.
“There have been some powerful initiatives in Inishowen in response to the war in Gaza here already,” Patricia said.
“These include the stirring documentary screened in Moville and a vigil held in Buncrana earlier this month. The Advent walks and the workshop are another opportunity for people to voice their concern at this most recent war. People will also have a chance to explore what else we can do for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and other war-torn parts of the world.
“How do we reconcile these dreadful wars with our own belief system or sense of God? By coming together, we can acknowledge the questions these wars raise for our faith. We can be inspired by the ways people are finding to act for peace in the wider world. And we can, perhaps, find some greater peace in our own lives. That can be particularly important as we approach Christmas – feast of the Prince of Peace – because for many it’s become such a busy, stressful time.”
The workshop and Advent Walks are open to all, and there will be translation for Ukrainians attending the Shrove and Greencastle events. Kiev native and graphic design lecturer, Hanna Skoroplias, who now lives in Moville with two of her four children, will conduct the translation. She’s worked with Patricia before to deliver bilingual events.
“Workshops like these offer a rare space to be still and to connect with what can give me most strength and support,” Hanna said. “They allow people to talk who might not have otherwise ever get the chance to hear from each other.”
Susan McAleer, manager of the Greencastle Community Centre, said they are “delighted to be hosting another Rewilding Faith workshop event. These creative spaces for people to explore and share on the spiritual side of life are a great way to build a sense of community.”
For further information or to book the workshop or walks, go to www.patriciahiggins.ie. Patricia is also organising an early morning online retreat, on Tuesdays from December 3 to 17 from 6.50am to 7.10am, which can also be booked online.