Mayo school unveils 'Peace Dove' - a representation of hope and peace for the new year
SAINT Colman’s College in Claremorris has unveiled its 'Peace Dove' - a symbol for all its students, friends and families whose lives, homes and communities have been affected by some form of conflict or war.
A representation of hope and peace for the new year, the large outdoor piece was produced by the Leaving Cert art class with artist Catherine Gannon and art teacher Ms. Monahan. Accompanying words were beautifully written and narrated by past pupil, Ukrainian student Oleh Smirnov.
Catherine Gannon was inspirational and worked with such ease with students, approaching lessons with energy and passion. The project team thanked principal Roy Hession for his support of the arts in St. Colman's, the Blast programme, National Education Services, Department of Education, Catherine Gannon and Mayo Education Centre.
Oleh Smirnov's story, told by Oleh:
War is a terrible reality that inflicts wounds upon towns, communities, and individuals.
In the town I once called home, the effects of the war were starkly evident. Once a lively and vibrant community, it now lay in ruin, its streets empty and its buildings reduced to rubble. The market, once bustling with activity, now stood as a bad reminder of the destruction brought by conflict. Everywhere, there was a huge sense of sadness and hopelessness. Dreams lay destroyed, and fear hung heavy in the air like a suffocating fog.
Forced to leave our homes in search of safety, my family and I became emigrants, joining the ranks of countless others displaced by war. It was a journey marked with uncertainty and fear, as we left behind everything we were familiar with in search of some semblance of security.
The road ahead was full of danger, but we clung to hope, however faint it may have seemed.
Yet, between the hopelessness, there were glimmers of hope to be found. In the kindness of strangers and the generosity of host countries, we found relief and support. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who will extend a helping hand and offer refuge to those in need.
But the loss of war extends far beyond the physical destruction it leaves in its wake. It exacts a heavy price on those caught in its crosshairs, claiming lives and tearing families apart. Yet, in the face of such loss, there are those who continue to fight for what they hold dear, risking everything to defend their homes and loved ones. Their bravery and sacrifice serve as a beacon of hope in the middle of hopelessness, a reminder that even in the bleakest of circumstances, there is still cause for courage and resilience.
As I reflect on my journey through war-torn lands, I am struck by the profound importance of peace.
It is not merely the absence of conflict, but a commitment to justice, fairness, and respect for all. It is a fragile and precious commodity, one that must be cherished and safeguarded at all costs.
In the end, war may bring pain and loss, but it also teaches us valuable lessons about resilience, hope, and enduring strength of the human spirit. Let us heed lessons as we work towards a future where peace reigns supreme, and where the scar of war serves as a solemn reminder of the need for understanding, compassion and reconciliation.