2025-2026 Theme: Spread Peace

“Tell them that, wherever they are, they should give good example…and seek to spread peace and concord.”
- St. Angela Merici, Fifth Counsel

A “commitment to peacemaking” is one of the Academy’s seven core values. This school year, may we strive to live in the spirit of St. Angela Merici as we “seek to spread peace.” In her life, St. Angela Merici reached out in service and love to rich and poor alike. In her writings, she developed a philosophy of personal formation, a commitment to justice, and a promotion of self-discipline through encouragement rather than compulsion in an atmosphere of unity, mutual love, and respect.

“She was a peacemaker, compassionate consoler, wise and practical adviser, prayerful, faithful, and advocate for those in need. She engaged herself in furthering charitable works, advocating for church and societal reform and regeneration. She was known for intervening in personal and minor political disputes. Having a magnetic personality, Angela naturally gathered supporters and friends who were inspired and empowered by her. She demonstrated wisdom in politics and business.” Learn more.

Did you know?

St. Angela Merici was a Third Order Franciscan! Her friend, Agostino Gallo, said that “she eventually took the habit of the Third Order so that it would be easier to go to mass, confession, and communion. In those days, in fact, lay persons were not allowed to receive frequent communion, as was the case later.”

“At the end, Angela was buried in her simple Franciscan habit. So strong was her attachment to the coarse grey coloured Franciscan habit, so identified was she with it that when, two centuries later, during the process of canonisation, the Ursulines of Rome made a special request for her remains to be re-clothed in black, the request was blocked by the Franciscans and by a special decreee of the Sacred Congregation, dated 27 March 1773, it was stated that Angela should be dressed in the grey-beige tertiary habit she had always worn (MTS: 249-251). It can truly be said that the Franciscans had had an enduring influence on the life and work of Angela Merici.” 

- Angela’s Alphabet: Culled from her life and writings by: M. Ignatius Stone, OSU

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

What does it mean to “spread peace?”

To spread peace means to actively promote harmony, understanding, and nonviolence in your relationships, community, and the world. It goes beyond simply avoiding conflict—it involves creating conditions where others feel safe, respected, and valued.

Here are a few core elements of spreading peace:

1. Kindness and Compassion: Treating others with empathy, even when it's hard. Listening, helping, forgiving.
2. Resolving Conflict Constructively: Using dialogue, not aggression. Seeking compromise, not revenge.
3. Promoting Justice: Addressing inequality and advocating for fair treatment for all people.
4. Being a Role Model: Living peacefully yourself, in how you speak, act, and make decisions.
5. Educating and Inspiring Others: Encouraging peaceful values in your home, school, workplace, or through art, writing, or leadership.

In short, spreading peace means being intentional about creating a more respectful and loving world, starting with yourself and radiating outward.

How can I “spread peace” to others?

You can spread peace in both simple, everyday ways and through deeper, more intentional actions. Here’s a list of practical ways you can start spreading peace in your life:

Start With Yourself

1. Practice self-awareness and calm: Learn to manage your emotions and reactions, especially in stressful situations.
2. Cultivate inner peace: Through meditation, prayer, journaling, or time in nature—whatever helps you stay grounded and centered.

In Your Words and Actions

1. Speak kindly: Use words to encourage, not tear down. Avoid gossip, harsh criticism, or negativity.
2. Be a good listener: Listen to understand, not just to reply. People often just want to feel heard.
3. Show compassion and empathy: Try to see situations from others’ perspectives—even when you disagree.

In Relationships and Community

1. Resolve conflicts peacefully: Stay calm, communicate openly, and work toward solutions, not blame.
2. Support inclusion and fairness: Stand up against bullying, racism, and other forms of injustice—even in small ways.
3. Volunteer your time: Help in your community—mentor youth, clean up your neighborhood, or donate to causes promoting peace.

On a Broader Scale

1. Educate yourself and others: Learn about peacebuilders, history, and conflict resolution. Share peaceful ideas through conversations or social media.
2. Be a role model: Your example might be the most powerful thing. When others see you acting peacefully, it inspires them to do the same.

Symbolism of the Spread Peace Logo

A dove with an olive branch is a widely recognized symbol of peace and reconciliation. It originates from the biblical story of Noah's Ark, where a dove returned to the ark with an olive leaf after the Great Flood, signaling the end of the deluge and the return of life on Earth. This imagery has since been adopted as a universal symbol of hope, new beginnings, and God's covenant with humanity.

Click here to access the Spread Peace Logo and Assets