As we watch the world news unfold in front of our eyes, we cannot but help revert to the Lord and pray for peace; not that the lack of it is any of the Lord’s doing.

This won’t change much, or will it?

As an artistic institution, we stand for the promotion of culture and identity that brings people together, not divide them. As an artistic institution run by the people and for the people, we cannot but show our support towards victims of conflict, not least our counterparts in the world of theatres, opera and the arts.

Will our support change anything?

We won’t make headlines with our support. Nor do we intend to. But even if at least one victim of conflict gets to read this, and know that someone, somewhere in the world empathises with him or her, that’s already one big reason for showing support.

In a world where all that victims of conflict see is hatred, bloodshed and cruelty, a show of solidarity is also important for them to keep a flame of hope alight and the belief that a seed of love still exists.

And finally, our support for victims of conflicts, as a commitment towards peace is also a message from us as an institution to our very own people. It is a message that helps consolidate a culture of peace, mutual respect and forgiveness in hearts that can easily be overtaken with vengeance and spite when provoked.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO Constitution, 1945)

So let us all put together a strong, credible and faithful show of solidarity with the victims of conflict, in Ukraine and elsewhere, and a strong commitment towards peace.

May God help us in our quest for everlasting peace.

Peace, Peace my Lord

Pace, Pace, mio Dio