Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Unites Faith Communities in Shared Commitment to Harmony and Inclusion

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto

In observance of the United Nations–designated Interfaith Harmony Week, the Interfaith Council of Peel (ICP) hosted an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on February 2 at Sheridan College. Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent, attended on behalf of the Buddhist community. Representatives from nine faith traditions, along with leaders from government and academia, gathered to pray for community harmony, inclusion, and peace.

Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 and is observed annually during the first week of February to foster understanding, respect, and dialogue among diverse religions, beliefs, and cultures, while encouraging interfaith cooperation and peace-building initiatives worldwide.

Organized by ICP, the Prayer Breakfast brought together community leaders, educators, and public officials from Buddhism, Hinduism, the Bahá’í Faith, Catholicism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and other traditions. John Kovac, Deputy Mayor of Mississauga, acknowledged ICP’s long-standing efforts to strengthen community dialogue, noting that shared values of compassion and integrity are essential in a city where more than half of residents are immigrants. Dr. Cindy Gouveia, President of Sheridan College, welcomed participants and highlighted the vital role of interfaith engagement in a diverse society.

The program featured prayers offered sequentially by nine faith groups, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and mutual respect. Representing Buddhism, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan delivered remarks and led the chanting of the Medicine Buddha Mantra, explaining that Buddhist chanting serves as a collective prayer for healing and well-being—seeking to alleviate illness, fear, division, prejudice, and misunderstanding. She also shared Fo Guang Shan Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year blessing, “Harmony & Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success,” emphasizing that harmony is achieved not through uniformity, but by advancing together with respect for differences.

Following the recent observance of Dharma Day, monastics prepared Laba congee to share with attendees, introducing its symbolism of inclusivity and harmonious coexistence. The gathering concluded with warm exchanges and group photos, as faith leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in building a more peaceful and inclusive society.