Buffalo's Villa Maria Chosen as "Peace Site" for Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration

November 18, 2000

Source: The Buffalo News

On November 18, 2000, the Buffalo News reported that "'Let There Be Peace on Earth' will be the theme of the annual intercultural-interfaith Thanksgiving observance at 7 p.m. Monday at Villa Maria Academy, 600 Doat St., Cheektowaga. The service, co-sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice and the Network of Religious Communities, will be one of several ecumenical and community events held locally to celebrate Thanksgiving. Lana Benatovich, Conference executive director, said the interfaith observance will be led by high school students and other teens representing the Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, Sikh and Unitarian faiths...Villa Maria was selected as the site for the hourlong service because the Felician Sisters who operate the school have designated the Villa Maria complex, including Villa Maria College and Villa Maria Academy, as a 'Peace Site.'...One of more than 300 such centers nationwide, the "Peace Site" serves as a place where emphasis is put on education for peace and where peace programs and plans are initiated, reinforced and expanded. Monday's keynote speaker will be Tushar Kansal, a Nichols School senior who also serves as a member of the Conference board. 'Let Peace Begin With Me: Thanksgiving 2020' will be the title of his talk...Donations of nonperishable food will be given to the Villa Maria Food Pantry for distribution to poor people."

See also: Interfaith, Youth