FOWPAL's Inaugural Visit to Ireland: Sowing the Seeds of Peace Through Conscience Education and Cultural Exchange
From May 15 to 20, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) embarked on its global peace exchange tour to its 123rd nation—Ireland. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, led a delegation of over 40 international volunteers to the capital city of Dublin. The entourage paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, and toured esteemed institutions including EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and Trinity College Dublin. Through meaningful cultural exchanges and the endorsement of declarations, they shared the core philosophies of conscience, love, and peace. Having endured the historical trials of the Great Famine, waves of mass emigration, as well as conflict and subsequent reconciliation, Ireland possesses a deep appreciation for the preciousness of peace and stability. This exchange seamlessly bridged the governmental, educational, and cultural sectors. By facilitating cross-sector dialogues to galvanize collective goodwill and inspire joint action, the initiative aimed to foster mutual understanding, trust, and hope in today's increasingly challenging world.
On May 19, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality to engage in exchanges concerning the culture of peace and conscience education. They were warmly received by Aisling Dunne, Special Advisor to the Minister. Dr. Hong specifically underscored the paramount importance of health, safety, and happiness. Aisling Dunne expressed that FOWPAL's core principles of love and peace resonate profoundly with the hearts of the Irish people, which aligns perfectly with Ireland’s ethos as a neutral and peaceful nation. She noted that a child's earliest years are their formative period for character and development; ensuring they are surrounded by love and support exerts a decisive influence on their future growth and the trajectory of the rest of their lives. Furthermore, she paid heartfelt tribute to all frontline social workers and educators who dedicate their patience and care, expressing deep gratitude for their efforts in creating the next generation, stating, "I salute them. I take my hat off to them."
On May 18, the delegation visited EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, a multiple-time recipient of the prestigious "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction" accolade. As the world's first fully digital museum, the institution transcends the conventional framework of traditional artifact exhibitions. By comprehensively integrating interactive technologies and immersive multimedia, it chronicles the global migration history of successive generations of Irish emigrants, illustrating their far-reaching influence on the world across such diverse domains as science, politics, and the arts.
Seán McGettigan, Head of Visitor Services and Experience Operations, expressed his great honor in welcoming Dr. Hong and the FOWPAL delegation to the museum. He explained that through interactive technology, EPIC narrates the compelling history of the 10 million Irish individuals who emigrated worldwide over the past 1,500 years, noting that today, some 70 million people across the globe claim Irish heritage. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for a painting presented by Dr. Hong, he promptly displayed the artwork at EPIC's main entrance for all visitors to admire. Furthermore, he highly lauded the lovely singing and dancing performances delivered by the Energy Boys and Energy Girls.
Dr. Hong presented a Conscience Smile Keychain, emblematic of happiness and smiling, deeply moving Seán McGettigan, who shared that this is the root of a happy family, as smiling brings joy and serves as a wellspring of energy. He explained that if you could start every Monday morning with this type of positive mindset, it would be a key success to a great week ahead, and he expressed his earnest anticipation of welcoming everyone back in the future.
Volunteer Pandora shared that her most lasting impression of the museum was its entrance exhibition area. By employing a sensory-driven design that engages the five senses, including scent and touch, it immerses visitors, allowing them to viscerally feel the emigrants' final memories of their homeland prior to their departure. She recalled that between 1845 and 1852, the Great Famine forced countless Irish citizens into exile. Tragically, many perished under harrowing conditions while traversing the Atlantic, resulting in a staggering population decline of nearly one-quarter within just a few short years. This somber history enabled her to keenly grasp the displacement and anguish underpinning the emigrant experience, further reinforcing the realization that peace and stability are hard-won. Ultimately, understanding this historical narrative crystallizes the intertwined destiny of humanity and highlights the paramount importance of mutual care that transcends national borders.
In a subsequent letter to Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Seán McGettigan wrote to express his gratitude to Dr. Hong for leading FOWPAL to continuously transmit exceptional positive energy and spirit to the world, which is deeply inspiring and brings a profound impact, while conveying his heartfelt admiration and sincere appreciation for the advancement of the ideals of peace and love. He added that the museum has displayed the art painting presented by Dr. Hong in the exclusive staff relaxation space. This artwork has become a highly meaningful spiritual focal point, allowing colleagues to reflect and find inner peace, particularly providing tranquility and strength for everyone when facing busy and high-pressure work.
On May 18, the delegation also called on Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. As Ireland's oldest and most quintessential institution of higher learning, the university's renowned Old Library proudly houses the Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript Bible widely revered as a national treasure of Ireland. Celebrated for its exquisitely ornate Insular Art style, the masterpiece harmoniously intertwines geometric patterns, animal motifs, and religious iconography, elegantly capturing humanity's timeless pursuit of truth, harmony, and faith. Dr. Hong specially presented a painting, which was graciously accepted on behalf of the institution by Anne-Marie Diffley, Visitor Services Manager of the Old Library.
Upon viewing the authentic manuscript of the Book of Kells, international volunteer Catherine was profoundly moved. She articulated that this revered masterpiece, painstakingly safeguarded by ninth-century monks amidst the ravages of war, stands as a testament to the spirit of unwavering faith and hope in the face of adversity. Moreover, the manuscript's ingenious incorporation of local cultural elements—such as the shamrock, the sun, and Celtic motifs—exemplifies the wisdom of cross-cultural integration and inclusivity. She expressed her belief that this ethos deeply inspires international volunteers to continually embrace diverse cultures with understanding and respect, thereby forging more bridges of peace and dialogue for the world.
Throughout the visit, FOWPAL volunteers actively engaged with local residents and tourists alike, extending earnest invitations to endorse the Declaration of International Day of Conscience, the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, and the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. They encouraged the public to actualize the core values of love, peace, conscience, transparency, and integrity in their daily lives. While the volunteers were sharing these philosophies in the pedestrian zone adjacent to Trinity College Dublin, an Irish woman proactively approached the group to learn more about FOWPAL's peace initiatives. Subsequently, she and her accompanying friends joyfully signed the declarations to demonstrate their wholehearted support.
As volunteer Jayme introduced the Conscience Smile Pin, explaining that it is emblematic of the conscience residing within every individual's heart, the woman gazed intently at her smile and exclaimed, "If the sun is not in the sky. It's on your face. Your smile is sunshine." This beautifully genuine sentiment eloquently captured a heart-to-heart connection transcending linguistic and cultural barriers, serving as a warm and moving footnote to this peace journey in Ireland.