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Miami, Florida, October 6, 2021 – Barry University students augmented their academic learning recently as they participated in a variety of activities during the University’s 2021 Peace Week, September 19-26.

Through its annual Peace Week, Barry University lives out the call in its mission statement to “foster peace and non-violence, to strive for equality, to recognize the sacredness of Earth, and to engage in meaningful efforts toward social change.”

In one of the first activities of the week, 43 Barry University volunteers – 39 students, two faculty members, and two staff members – participated in International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 18. In their clean-up of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, they picked up 925 discarded items of the total of 3,600 items collected by all volunteers at the beach park that day. The global event is spearheaded by Ocean Conservancy.

Barry University community members take part in the Fall Equinox Drum Circle as part of the September 22, 2021, Conscious Carnival during Peace Week. Photo Courtesy of the Barry University Office of Communications

Peace Week also provided educational opportunities for participants. The Annual Peace-In, held on September 20 to commemorate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, featured a series of free, virtual workshops focusing on various forms of violence and on the promotion of peace, justice, and human rights. The Barry community celebrated a Mass for Peace the next day in Cor Jesu Chapel.

The Deliberative Dialogue, held on September 23, offered a series of facilitated forums focused on “Fostering Resiliency in Times of Uncertainty: Haiti in Turbulent Times.” The remote event gave participants the opportunity to work toward shared understanding of the situation in Haiti and a path forward.

The week concluded on September 25 with an Ethical Leadership Conference, providing students the opportunity to explore their leadership potential, interact with peers and presenters, and develop a greater understanding of how they can make a positive contribution to the world. 

Peace Week also provided experiential, hands-on activities. In honor of Peace Week, community members were invited to walk the labyrinth to experience one of the oldest known spiritual practices. The Conscious Carnival on September 22 offered a variety of spiritual experiences, from yoga to Cuencas (singing crystal bowls) and a Fall Equinox Drum Circle.

Peace Week is one of four Mission Weeks offered annually to sustain the mission and vision of Barry University, which flows from its foundation with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Other Mission Weeks include Founders’ Week, Unity Week, and Earth Week. 

Feature photo: Members of the Barry University community clean up Historic Virginia Key Beach Park as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day. Photo Courtesy of the Barry University Office of Communications