Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Two peace poles were installed and blessed at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park on February 3, 2024. The Lady Poverty Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order purchased the first pole with the hope of bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. The second pole was acquired when conflicts broke out in other parts of the world.

Each pole bears the inscription, "May peace prevail on earth," in multiple languages. The message is a simple yet powerful reminder of the universal desire for peace.

During the installation ceremony, a peace pole was also gifted to a group of students from the Franciscan Youth Group at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. One of the students, Sam B., expressed their understanding of peace by saying, "Peace is when we all come together to follow the will of God. It is when we respect the dignity of all people, and it can be fully achieved when we love our neighbor as God loves us."

The ceremony was attended by students from various parishes, including St. Andrew, St. John Vianney, and St. Philip Phan Van Minh. Representatives from St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church and the University of Central Florida's Student Jewish Life Center were also present. The Ukrainian representative from St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church expressed their gratitude for the peace pole and its message of hope for their country.

The installation of these peace poles is part of a global movement. According to the Florida Catholic, there are more than 250,000 peace poles spread across every continent, serving as symbols of unity and a shared vision for a peaceful world.

For those interested in learning more about peace poles and their significance, additional information can be found by clicking here.

In a world often plagued by conflicts and divisions, the installation of these peace poles serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the shared desire for peace. As Student Sam B. eloquently stated, true peace can be achieved when we come together with respect and love for one another.