P1. The Creazione Cultural Association under the patronage of the Municipality of Castellina Marittima, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, leader of Tai ji Men and the president of FOWPAL, presented by Mayor Alessandro Giari on behalf of the Association.
May 9, 2024
In 2024, amidst ongoing conflicts and warfare worldwide, peace is the earnest desire of humanity. Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group, comprising the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and other organizations, has traveled to 103 countries over the years to promote world peace through cultural exchanges. The group brought sincere and peaceful blessings to Italy and the world with a cultural performance in the town of Castellina Marittima on May 8, 2024. The performance blended ancient wisdom with modern martial arts and the arts. The Creazione Cultural Association under the patronage of the Municipality of Castellina Marittima, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, leader of Tai ji Men and the president of FOWPAL, presented by Mayor Alessandro Giari on behalf of the Association.
Mayor Alessandro Giari expressed warm welcome to Dr. Hong and said, In such a dramatic moment in the history of the world, and in the events that also characterize our Europe. The dramatic war events of Ukraine and the war events of Israel are even deeper wounds than the many dozens of wars, which unfortunately are present throughout the world. And therefore having a peacemaker here with us who moves at an international level, and who expresses contents of this nature is truly gratifying and truly important. He expressed that Dr.Hong and his delegation brought a very important and significant contribution here to his town. Peace, peaceful coexistence, and integration between peoples, which have a universal value, is very important that they are disseminated and communicated, permanently, especially to young people, to the new generations. He admired the cultural performances are particularly beautiful because it brings together the way of thinking, of feeling of peoples, of people and make them feel united in a world. It is a world that needs peace, because unfortunately wars which are still very present throughout the world today, are a serious wound for humanity. We hope that this spirit that you have brought here today will become the most widespread and most present spirit in the culture of people. For this, we truly thank you for this beautiful day.
In his address after receiving the award, Dr. Hong stated, “Culture possesses its own vitality and influence; through cultural exchanges, we can convey messages of love, warmth, and hope. Cultural exchange enables us to transcend the barriers of nationality, race, language, and religion, build global friendships and foster a culture of conscience with love and peace for the Earth and all living beings.” He mentioned that September 23 is "World Day of the Power of Hope," calling on people everywhere to act with conscience and draw on the power of hope for the safety and sustainable development of themselves, others, and the world, allowing positive energy to lead the planet towards sustainable progress.
P2.Dr.Hong presented the Compass of Conscience to Mayor Alessandro Giari.
On May 8th, at Don Gallo Square adjacent to the Alabaster Museum, Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group brought the positive energy of eastern celestial creatures to the world. Purple phoenix and auspicious lion bestowed good fortune, and the martial arts formations symbolized “stopping wars and safeguarding love and peace.” Through the signing of the International World Day of Power of Hope declaration, attendees were invited to converge goodwill and infuse the world with kindness and benevolent thoughts.
The phoenix and auspicious lion descended from the heavens, joyfully blessing the earth. Austronesian indigenous people in their traditional costumes showcased the rich and diverse cultural dances of The Southern Islands. The performance embodied the spirit of ‘We are One World’ and brought the audience into a peaceful state of unity and solidarity.
Hannelore Jurgens Aloisio, a woman residing in Italy, attended this cultural performance. She found it deeply moving. To her, it wasn’t just entertainment; it conveyed a powerful message of peace and love.
The performance left her feeling liberated and more connected to humanity. She appreciated the uniqueness of cultural expression and believed that defending and representing one’s culture is essential. Despite her age, Hannelore Jurgens Aloisio remains hopeful, trusting that the younger generation can bring positive change to the world.
From 7 to 15 May, Dr Hong led a 22-member delegation to visit various cities in Italy. In addition to bringing the message of love, peace, and conscience, Dr Hong also invited leaders from all walks of life to ring the Peace Bell, make a wish for peace, and sign the three declarations of the International Day of Conscience, World Day of Prayer and World Day of the Power of Hope.
P3. A child experiences Austronesian Aboriginal dance.
About FOWPAL
The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), established in the United States in 2000 by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, has actively spread the idea of love and peace and promoted world peace through various means such as cultural exchanges and solemn ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love. To unite more people sharing the same vision, FOWPAL has held world summits of love and peace and invited leaders from various fields to ring the bell. The consolidated positive energy has inspired more people to work together for world peace for future generations.
FOWPAL members come from 137 countries; presently 547 prominent figures from 147 countries have rung the bell, made their wishes for love and peace, and pledged to work for the world’s sustainable future. Among them are 71 heads of state and government, 9 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, UN ambassadors and officers, and other visionary leaders.
About Tai Ji Men
Tai Ji Men, renowned as “International Ambassadors of Peace and Goodwill,” with a brilliant record of visiting over a hundred countries across six continents and participating in more than 3,000 cultural performances. Tai Ji Men is an international non-profit cultural organization with a mission to preserve the heritage of Tai Ji Men culture and enhance the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide.
Dr. Hong has devoted his life to guiding Tai Ji Men disciples and members of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) to form delegations across all six continents. Their goal has been to promote a culture of peace founded on love and conscience, and they have undertaken these missions with their own resources and efforts. Dr. Hong played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Nations’ International Day of Conscience. Moreover, in recognition of the 1.2 million hours of dedication contributed by Dr. Hong and the members of FOWPAL to the United States, U.S. President Joe Biden bestowed upon him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in March of 2023.
Tai Ji Men is committed to spreading the values of peace, love, and conscience, and we look forward to continuing our mission for the betterment of humanity.
https://www.taijimen.org/TJM2016G_ENG/