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Midwest Spirituality Center to host Peace Fest at Dorothy Day House
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
Many song lyrics wish for peace on earth, but that state of tranquility without strife and violence remains elusive.
That doesn’t mean many people aren’t working toward achieving peace. Midwest Spirituality Center will put peace in the spotlight from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Dorothy Day House, 620 Belmont Ave., where a Peace Fest is planned. The event will include refreshments. Reservations are appreciated; call 330-783-9291.
Pat Lowry said the Midwest Spirituality Center is not a physical place but more a state of mind and way of living to promote peace. The Youngstown man, along with John Polanski of Mineral Ridge and Terry and Vicki Vicars of Boardman, formed the spirituality center. He said all share the desire to broaden the discussion and actions of a Christian justice and peace agenda, which is one of the goals of the center.
Lowry said the center is a nonprofit organization that is Christian and Gospel based.
A short program will be at 2 p.m. when those attending will have a chance to share their efforts and stories in peacemaking and justice. Participants also are invited to share any brochures or other materials pertaining to their peace and justice efforts. “This is a chance for people and organizations to network,” Lowry said.
Terry Vicars said that the event draws “like-minded people” who can support one another’s vision and projects.
Lowry also added this and other events draw attention to the cause of peace and help people work together.
Vicars said the culture of violence in the world is at odds with the message of peace — the heart of Christianity.
“There’s the idea that the way to peace is war ... just one more war then there will be peace," he said. “Clearly, that has proven not to be the case.”
Vicars said when people adopt “peace as a way of life” then there will be progress.
The center will sponsor its second annual Good Friday peace march next year.
Its website is www.midwestspirit.org.