Peace Pole installed at Blackfriars Catholic School, South Australia.

Posted: March 19, 2026

A global symbol of peace, born from the aftermath of World War II, has now been installed at Blackfriars.

The school today held a liturgy to celebrate the official unveiling of its Peace Pole, symbolising a common wish for a world at peace.

The pole, planted in the garden bed near the Asian Martyrs Memorial stones, is inscribed with the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Kaurna, Latin and Spanish, highlighting Blackfriars’ connections to places and people that shape the school’s story.

“As a Catholic school, this message carries particular depth,” APRIM Angela Collins said.

“Peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is something we are called to build through justice, compassion, forgiveness and respect for the dignity of every person.”

Attending today’s liturgy – held to coincide with Harmony Week – were Rotarian and Peace Pole artist Heidi Unferdorben and members of the Rotary Club of Prospect, whose sponsorship brought the world-wide symbol of hope to Blackfriars.

Speaking at the liturgy, Ms Unferdorben reflected on the pursuit of peace.

“At this time, with all the war and conflict going on, peace is an important thing,” Ms Unferdorben said.

“And one of the things that I always like to remind people of is that while we may not be able to do anything to stop the wars … we do have the power to create peace in our own hearts.

“So, always remember that. Peace begins in our hearts, our homes, our schools, our community. And if we can make a difference there, then we can make a difference to world peace.”

Principal David Ruggiero agreed with the need to carry peace in our hearts and said the Peace Pole would be a constant reminder of that.

“Peace is a very complicated thing, but it starts off within you,” Mr Ruggiero said.

“If you have that inner peace, you’ll respond with love and the world will change bit by bit. When you walk past this Peace Pole, let it be a timely reminder for you that you must really have peace in your heart, be happy with who you are and love who you are.”

In the 1950s, Japanese man Masahisa Goi promoted the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” as a universal prayer after the devastation of World War II. His phrase later inspired the creation of the first Peace Poles.

Today, there are more than 200,000 Peace Poles around the world.

If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace between nations.
If there is to be peace between nations, there must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbours.
If there is to be peace between neighbours, there must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.– Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu