Praying for world peace continues to be a priority in Mater Dei Prep, Middletown.

As a way to bring together students and a community of religious leaders to celebrate their faith traditions and promote peace, senior members of the school’s Capstone Academy and members of the Global Leaders Institute hosted a Nov. 6 gathering during which a Peace Pole was planted in front of the school. In addition to the Peace Pole, a plaque with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of peace, was placed alongside the Peace Pole, which has the prayer, “May peace prevail on Earth” inscribed on it in various languages.

Highlights of the event included a blessing of the Peace Pole and the plaque by Father Richard Osborn, Mater Dei Prep chaplain and parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, and remarks by Dominic Longo, head of the Capstone Academy, who spoke on the benefit and purpose of being a member of the Capstone Academy at Mater Dei Prep.

Other speakers included senior and Capstone Academy member Karen Nortz, who welcomed the guests and spoke about the importance of young people’s responsibility in promoting peace, and George Anthony, head of the Global Leaders Institute, who reflected on how action is required in order to obtain peace. Among the other guests in attendance were the Rev. Dr. Cornell Edmonds of the Church of the Covenant; Pastor Chris Pascarella of Lincroft Bible Church, and Heather Adolsen, director of the Middletown Library.

“Each person at the ceremony represents the face of Jesus, and each person has the ability to bring light to the lives of others,” said Anthony.

The gathering heard from Dr. Edmonds, who focused on how each individual in attendance represents the Bread of Life and as he elaborated on the message of Jesus.

Mater Dei Prep’s Global Leaders Institute has a long history promoting peace. Many times throughout the years, its students attend U.N. meetings in New York and have presented at U.N. conferences.