Interfaith Peace Vigil Year 22 by Mary Camille Thomas

The 22nd Annual New Year's Eve Interfaith Vigil for Peace was an inspired blend of tradition and a few surprises. For the first time, attendees were met by the sweet voices of the Santa Cruz Threshold Singers in the vestibule of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, creating a transition between the frenetic secular celebration of New Year's Eve outside and the sacred, contemplative space of the vigil within. In the hall, Sangha volunteers welcomed guests and invited them to light a candle, walk the labyrinth, and enjoy the sound bath of Savarna Wiley's singing bowls.

As always, Sangha Shantivanam's Service Committee carefully considered a theme for the vigil. After an opening prayer from the Bahai' faith, representatives from Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam each shared their thoughts on "Steadfast in Hope: Being Peace in Troubled Times." Some of my takeaways: we are all connected and must actively pursue peace.

All participants joined in mindful movement, and we concluded with Akindele Bankole's summary, then recited the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis and sang Auld Lang Syne. As a special treat, everyone helped themselves to a vegan fortune cookie with special fortunes like "You will stay steadfast in hope throughout the year." May it be so!