“Peace and Environmental Protection Week held in Brazil”
One Hundred and One Missionary Areas and 7,272 People Participate, Nation-Wide
In Brazil, the “Peace and Environmental Protection Week” was held from September 1 to 7. The number of participants totaled 7,272 people (Portuguese- and Japanese-language groups combined), representing 101 Missionary Areas (as of October 8).
The “Peace and Environmental Protection Week” originates in the “Prayer for Brazil’s Progress and World Peace,” which was held in front of the Brazil Independence Memorial Tower Square in 1968. As it was held every year, its size expanded and in 1972 it was included in the 150th Brazil Independence Day Ceremony, an official program sponsored by the State of Sao Paul. In 1977, 35,000 people participated. From 2001, it has been held as the “Peace Week” at each Missionary Area for a one-week period. From 2003, it has been held under the title, the “Peace and Environmental Protection Week” in order to raise the awareness about environmental protection.
The program held at every Missionary Area is the same. It includes lectures by Lecturers and Enlightenment Leaders, the practice of Mind Purification Ceremony, and Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer. In addition, environmental protection activities such as cleaning are held by each area.
Of special note is the fact that the Brazil Missionary Headquarters acquired ISO14001 certification in December of last year. On the fourth day, they had a nation-wide cleaning activity, which was as an opportunity to convey the message that coexistence with nature brings about a happy life. Cleaning of parks and public spaces was carried out by Missionary Area in collaboration with the City and others. They paid special attention to the separation of collected trash. Also, social welfare activities to contribute to the community were held by organizing a group to hand out Seicho-No-Ie monthly magazines and another group to visit welfare or child care facilities and schools.
Comments received from the participants included: “We were all moved by the fact that we helped improve the place of our residence and were useful to other residents. I am grateful that I could participate in this wonderful event.”
Remarks by Rev. Yoshio Mukai, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America
“I encourage all Missionary Areas to participate in this. Since we cooperate with the City in cleaning public spaces and so forth, we have received positive comments from the City that we set a wonderful example for the general public to raise their awareness about environmental protection.”