Inside The United Nations: Rotarians Attend UN Prayer Service

20100918

Rotarians Attend UN Prayer Service

Rotarians attended the Prayer Service for the start of the 64th Session of the General Assembly lead by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York. The Archbishop recommended adopting a “tongue common to all of us that has at its center the human person the heart of all institutions, laws and works of society." He made these comments on September 14 at the Church of the Holy Family, (the United Nations Roman Catholic parish). The Vatican’s Permanent Observer at the U.N., Archbishop Celestino Migliore, as well as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, spoke at the service.

With an ostensible reference to the Tower of Babel, the Archbishop noted that the international community would be better served if it used as an official language "a voice, a tongue, common to all of us, and one that does not demand the use of a dictionary or grammar. This tongue speaks of help and hope, mercy and tenderness, of fatigue over war, of longing for simple decency and dignity."

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also addressed the attendees and stated: "I am deeply honored to join with you once again for this service. I look forward to it every year. For the United Nations, September is the season of renewal. And we begin right here. By giving thanks, gathering strength, and looking forward in faith: Faith in our universal values, faith in our common humanity, and faith in our shared future."

A reception immediately followed the service at Holy Family's Community Center. (Photos)

The Rotary Club of New York, as many other Rotary clubs, played an essential role in building support during the formative years of The United Nations, and in selecting New York City for the Permanent Headquarters of the United Nations. As such, more than 60 years later, Rotary International still maintains the highest consultative status with the United Nations of any non-governmental organization. In this capacity, Rotary International and the United Nations has built a strong and productive partnership in achieving the Millennium Development Goals of 2000, including the global eradication of Polio, cultural exchanges, literacy, education, water/sanitation projects, and promotion of peace conferences around the world

All Rotarians and like-minded individuals are invited to attend the NY Rotary International Breakfast Meetings which are normally scheduled on the third Wednesday of every month and held at the Church Center, opposite the UN at 777 UN Plaza - Tenth Floor Entrance on 44th St. and First Ave. Previously we met at the German House located at 871 United Nations Plaza (49th St. and First Ave). These meeting provide an opportunity for Rotarians to stay informed regarding United Nation programs and to exchange views on related topics with UN officials and representatives of its member states. There are usually no meetings in July and August. Reservations are required to attend the meetings and can be made at: ny.rotary@verizon.net . The monthly meetings are coordinated and moderated by N.Y. Rotarian Josef Klee, Deputy-Director of the United Nations (Retired) and Sylvan Barnet, Alternate Rotary International Liaison to the UN. Our newsletter editor is Past Assistant District Governor Thomas V. McConnon.

For a listing of the past guest speakers and issues click:http://nyrotaryunitednations.blogspot.com/2009/01/httpnyrotaryunitednations_25.html

For a history of Rotary and the Formation of the United Nations, click : http://nyrotaryunitednations.blogspot.com/2008/05/test.html

Some of the earlier posts include:

· Taiwan Seeks Support For United Nations Membership

· Enhancing Women's Global Leadership Through Information
Technology

· United Nations Encouraging More Partnerships With Civil
Society And NGO's

· President of the 60th General Assembly, Jan Eliasson,
Addresses Rotary - November 2005

· RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar Address Rotarians At
United Nations - November 2005

· Visiting Rotarian Exchanges Banner- February 2006

· Nepal Conflict Prevention with Maoist - January 2006

· Iraqi Ambassador Thanks Rotarians For Children's Heart
Surgery - Jan 2006

· Israel and United Nations Reform - June 2005Over 500 Rotarians Meet At The United Nations - Nov 2005

· Professor Jeffrey Sachs Thanks Rotarians For Helping UN
to Acheive Millenium Development Goals- Nov 2005

· Japan’s Compensation to World War II “Asian Comfort
Women” Outlined by Former New York Rotarian - December 2005

· American Council On Africa Established By New York
Rotarian - January 2005

· "World Citizen" - Letter From District 4150 -
Guadalajara, Mexico - September 2005

· Croatian Ambassador Outlines Useful Model For Small-State
Economic Transformation - November 2005

· Rotary International Day At The United Nations - November
2005

· The Holy See In The International Arena - June 2004

· Rotarians Should Actively Support The United Nations
Global Compact

· Times of London Reporter Gives Analysis of Immediate
Future of the United Nations - May 2005

· Iraqi Ambassador Outlines Iraqi After First Election-
April 2005

· Ankara Conflict Resolution Conference Supported By
Rotarians - April 2005

· Kenyan Ambassador Promotes African Development March 2005

· Deputy Ambassador of the Russian Federation Speaks on UN
Issues.

NY Rotarians Celebrate 100th Year at United Nations

For summary of "Rotary Day at the United Nations 2008", click: http://nyrotaryunitednations.blogspot.com/2008/05/rotary-international-day-at-united.html .

For a summary of "Rotary Day at the United Nations 2007" click: http://nyrotaryunitednations.blogspot.com/2007/12/type-company-name-welcome-to-united.html

For a summary of the "Rotary Day at The United Nations 2006" click. http://nyrotaryunitednations.blogspot.com/2006/11/rotary-international-day-at-united.html

For a summary of "Rotary Day at the United Nations 2005" click: .http://nyrotaryunitednations.blogspot.com/2006/01/rotary-international-day-at-united.html