peace light

peace light

Background on project

History: The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign began in 1986 by the Austrian Broadcasting Co. It was part of a charitable relief mission, Light into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad.

Origin: The light originates at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which was entrusted to Franciscan friars in 1347. The church is now shared by Roman Catholics, who maintain four lamps; Greek Orthodox, six lamps; and Armenian Orthodox, five. The silver lamps with oil burn continuously.

Distribution: Each year, a child from Upper Austria fetches the light from the grotto in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This year, the light was obtained Nov. 21. The light is then flown from Israel to Austria, where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe. They take it, with a message of peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical services. The light is carried in two blast-proof miners lamps.

In United States: The Peace Light came to New York in 2001 by Canadian Scouts who brought it to Ground Zero. In 2002, DHL Worldwide Express delivered the Peace Light as a gift from Belgian Scouts and Guides to the Boy Scouts of America in N.Y.

Website: www.peacelight.org is maintained by two Boy Scout volunteers to assist in the distribution of the Peace Light from Bethlehem throughout the North American continent.

Source: Peace Light website