Buenos Aires, Argentina—On June 11, 2015, UPF-Argentina celebrated the Global Day of Parents at the Embassy for Peace in Buenos Aires. On this day, whose theme for this year was “Honoring Life,” fathers and mothers, those who give us life and raise us, were recognized. Presentations and testimonies were offered, a dance performed, and UPF-Argentina’s “Honoring Life” statement delivered. A celebration was also held in Mar del Plata, a city in the southeast part of Buenos Aires province.
The Miracle of Faith
The event began with Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Irma Sosa Rosales reading a statement from the UN about the Global Day of Parents. She also spoke of a proposal that UPF co-founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon made to the UN in August 2000 to establish a day to celebrate and honor parents.
Afterwards, Mr. Carlos Varga, president of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), reflected on the important role of parents and family: “God projects Himself in a man and a woman, and such duality is present in the whole universe….A father and a mother never stop caring for and worrying about their children, no matter how old they are….Parents’ presence puts the house in order and provides harmony. Problems arise when they are absent….Humanity is searching for parents--this is why we fight against each other….The meaning of history is to find those parents.”
“The parents’ heart also has to be shown in leadership, in its dedication to live for the sake of others,” he said. “Behind leadership, there has to be a parents’ heart.” In this regard, he highlighted some spiritual leaders who had such a heart, such as Buddha and Jesus, and Rev. Moon, “who with his wife, taught with their life and their work for world peace.”
Mr. Alejandro D’Alessandro, who became a father on May 18, after a long wait, told the story of the “miracle of faith” of Gina Francesca, whose pregnancy and birth of her child were surrounded by significant incidents. He shared his experience of praying to be blessed with the gift of being a father at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and seeing signs about his wife’s pregnancy, as well as his meeting with Pope Francis. “It changed my life,” he said.
Honoring Life
Mrs. María Teresa Narváez talked about her experience of being a mother and “how complicated [it can] be to educate our children about values nowadays.” Since parents spend less time with their children, “they are constantly on the TV and on the Internet; [anything can ‘enter the house’ and affect them].” “[It is only the family] that can face problems [that] come from outside,” she said. And in this context, she spoke about UPF’s efforts to promote peace and family values.
Mr. José Gómez, a father of four children, highlighted the role of women and their gift of giving life. He also spoke of the difficulties that can arise between husband and wife. When couples start to have conflicts and separation occurs, “those who suffer the most are children,” he said. He also talked about the importance of dialogue and giving compliments in marriage: “I believe children can follow this example.” Mr. Rubén Montero, who also has four children, spoke about “embodying the parents’ heart” at home and “in leadership positions.”
The life testimony of Mrs. María Estrada and her husband Mr. Luis Acuña, who have one child of their own and who have raised four children who were abandoned, was moving. Some of their children were present at the event with their grandmother. Wearing traditional clothes, they closed by dancing the “Chacarera del rancho” and “La calesita.”
After the testimonies were given, participants commented on the “backbone of the family:” parents and grandparents, and Rev. Moon’s teaching of three generations living under one roof. At the end, Mr. Andrés Melgarejo, member of UPF-Argentina’s Peace Council, read the “Honoring Life” statement (which follows this article).
Mar del Plata
The Global Day of Parents was also celebrated in the tourist city of Mar del Plata in the southeast part of Buenos Aires province. The event was emceed by Ambassadors for Peace Mrs. Mirta Zangaro and Mr. Jorge Moisano, and was supported by Mrs. Elsa Correa and Mr. Ricardo Gómez. It was a family environment surrounded by relatives and representatives of different organizations.
Mr. Carlos Varga of FFWPU talked about family values, and Mr. Miguel Werner, secretary general of UPF-Argentina, spoke about UPF’s principles and values for peace, as well as the initiatives developed by UPF in the country.
The next day, UPF-Argentina discussed these topics in an interview with the host of the “Justicia para todos” radio program (Justice for Everyone). The program also addressed the consequences of living in a fast-paced, technologically-driven world, which is impacting communication within the family and how much time families spend together, as well as the current context of violence.
The “Honoring Life” statement was also delivered to the audience.
At the end of the program, the hosts gave gifts to the UPF representatives who were interviewed, and shared snacks.
“Honoring Life”
Statement for the Global Day of Parents 2015
We remember the Preamble to the United Nation’s Charter on its 70th anniversary: “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war;” “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small;” “to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained;” and “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.” In addition, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF)-Argentina values and celebrates the Global Day of Parents (resolution 66/292*, adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 17, 2012), and, on this occasion, delivers the statement, “Honoring Life”:
- Life is a gift, and is the first, essential human right to ensure. Life is being threatened everywhere, not only in areas of conflict and war, but also within society, by old and new political, economic and social conditions, such as terrorism. Even if it is redundant: all rights and values come from the respect for life.
- Honoring parents as the giver of life and values. Being a responsible father and mother requires sacrifice, daily commitment, time, and love. Therefore, we reaffirm the value of those who decide to give birth to children, the most precious resource of humanity. We also value those who assumed this role in challenging social realities.
- A father and a mother are the backbone of the family. The understanding and communication with and mutual love between a father and mother are vital for raising a child and developing his/her talents, personality, and love; and for him/her to be honest and support the community. Children are the privileged ones in a home, which includes grandparents, keeper of traditions and source of experiences and wisdom.
- Acknowledging and honoring the Creator, our common origin according to the most diverse spiritual traditions. Maker of the sacred value of life, maker of the essential universal relationship: Father/Mother/Son-Daughter, which makes us belong to a great universal family. This divine essence in each being and our common destiny can be celebrated on this Global Day of Parents.
UPF considers it essential to create a culture of peace and achieve sustainable social development, which requires our commitment and daily cooperation. Therefore, we urge governments, non-profit organizations, companies, and academic institutions to create conditions of well-being and stability through promoting and supporting innovative projects and programs aimed at increasing the value of life and human dignity.
Argentina, June 2015
(*) Global Day of Parents: UN Resolution 66/292
- Decides to proclaim 1 June the Global Day of Parents, to be observed annually, honoring parents throughout the world;
- Invites Member States to celebrate the Global Day of Parents in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children;
- Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and civil society organizations for appropriate observance.
130th plenary meeting
17 September 2012