From Lewis M. Randa, Founder and Director
For almost a quarter of a century, The Peace Abbey in Sherborn has been a refuge, interfaith sanctuary, meeting place, and sacred space for thousands of people who seek peace for themselves, their loved ones, and the world. Offering a variety of programs and resources that teach, inspire, and encourage one to speak out and act on issues of peace and social justice and serving as a model for those who would do so, the Abbey is the only multi-faith peace center in New England and one of few in the country.
Such venerable public figures as Mother Teresa, Daniel Berrigan, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou, among others, have attended our events. The Peace Abbey has served as a gathering place for people throughout the region who tour the Pacifist Memorial and Peace Museum, stay in the guesthouse, take a moment at the Animal Rights Memorial, hold meetings, intern at the Abbey through college and university programs, and attend the inspiring presentations of the Courage of Conscience Awards (which have been given to over 150 exemplary peacemakers from around the world). Many come to offer prayers or light a candle in the interfaith chapel, or just to de-stress and treasure the universal message of peace that the Abbey embodies.
The Abbey is also the spiritual home of special needs students from Life Experience School, who created the Peace Abbey in honor of a student with autism who died in 1986 and whose ashes are buried at the Abbey along with those of other extraordinary peacemakers.
Those who have visited the Abbey know that it is a place like no other, an oasis of peace in a world yet to hear its message. Countless people have come here in times of personal adversity to gain a measure of peace for themselves and to offer prayers for loved ones and for the world.
To meet this crisis, Peace Abbey supporters have been busy garnering financial assistance from both long-standing and new friends, as well as planning for long-term development. We are inspired by the support we have already received.
Though we are optimistic that we can weather this crisis and come out even stronger than before, we are asking all who care to cast a wide net for continued financial help to save the Peace Abbey.
We are counting on the generosity of communities, organizations, individuals, and philanthropists who believe in what the Peace Abbey represents. We are appealing to those who have personally experienced the special wonder of the Peace Abbey, as well as to all those who believe in its mission, to help us preserve what has been, for so many, a sacred place.
We ask that you act now to send out this message to all your networks of friends, colleagues, and especially to any interested parties who might be in a position to help us meet this major financial challenge.
Please help us. Please give as generously as you can so that the Peace Abbey can continue to serve as a beacon of hope and peace for the world.
Tax-deductible donations can be made at The Peace Abbey website or by sending a check to 2 North Main St., Sherborn, MA 01770.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 508-655-2143.
Keep the Abbey in your prayers.
Lewis
