Pax Christi is marking the 70th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by displaying the Icon of Peace in Westminster Cathedral’s Chapel of St Patrick from 3 to 17 August.
The Icon, written in the Monastery of St John in the Desert, near Jerusalem, was gifted to Pax Christi International in 1999. It illustrates a number of Biblical scenes, at the centre of which is the reconciliation between Esau and Jacob. This narrative illustrates both the harm we can do to one another and the new depth of understanding and peace that can be created through forgiveness.
Pat Gaffney of Pax Christi said: 'We are delighted that the Cathedral will host the Icon. We have chosen this time which marks the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the anniversary of the end of World War II. Both remind us of the constant need to challenge the causes of war and work for peace. The Icon and its message contribute deeply to this call to peacemaking."
