Fr Maximillian Mizzi OFM Conv – A Prophet of Peace
In November 2001 I sat in a small chapel in Assisi, on retreat with a good friend of mine James Twyman and others and listened to one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever heard. His name was Fr Maximilian Mizzi.
As I listened to his gentle loving wisdom I knew I was in the presence of someone very special. I listened as he spoke about how we are making progress towards peace in the world and how the world needs prophets of peace to keep working in this direction. His presence had such an influence on me and most especially his words when he said “when someone turns to you and says they hate you, you turn to them and say – I Love You“. As anyone who has ever been in such a situation knows this is not an easy task and takes a lot of courage. (click on photo above to hear his voice from an album called Graceful passages – also see end of this article)
In 1986 for the first time in human history twelve of the worlds main religions gathered to pray for peace. Fr Mizzi was one of the main organisers of this event and indeed worked for peace almost all his life, encouraging dialogue between religions. In fact he was himself a refugee at the end of WWII when his families home had been destroyed in Malta. In January 2002, Pope John Paul II called the religious leaders to Assisi again to pray for peace.
In 2003 Fr Mizzi came to Ireland and spoke with others about peace in a “Paths to Peace” conference myself and others organised.
Today I received an email from Assisi to say Fr Maximilian Mizzi has passed on. There is absolutely no doubt in my heart and mind that this world is a far more peaceful place because Fr Maximilian Mizzi lived. In honour of Fr Mizzi I’ll finish this short tribute with the
Christian Prayer for Peace
Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who abuse you.
Blessed be the Peacemakers,
for they shall be called the Children of God
Fr Mizzi’s funeral will take place in the Lower Basilica, Assisi on Wednesday 5th March at 15.00.
If you’d like to read more about Fr Mizzi’s life click here
In Peace & Gratitude
Sean M Kelly
ps: If you’d like to purchase the CD Graceful Passages click here