February 3rd, 2009 – Agrigento

Every year Agrigento celebrates the Festival of the Almond Blossom. The Ancient Greek temples which overlook the city provide a splendid backdrop to the lighting of the “torch of friendship” and the accompanying folk dances. This year the festival was celebrated in a unique way. Prem Rawat, Ambassador of Peace, was invited by the local government to light the torch and then speak to the people of Agrigento.

 “So many nations have come and gone. But throughout history there were always voices  begging for peace. Were they heard? I don’t know. Were they listened to? I don’t know. But I do know that we are here to make a voice for that peace.” — Prem Rawat, before lighting the torch

After the torch-lighting ceremony Prem Rawat spoke at the elegant Teatro Pirandello, where he received the honorary citizenship of Agrigento.

February 5th, 2009 – Mazara del Vallo

Mazara del Vallo is a fishing town on the southwestern coast of Sicily. People of different ethnic and religious backgrounds have coexisted peacefully here for many years. It was with great delight and appreciation that the Mayor and all the local officials welcomed Prem Rawat and bestowed on him his third Italian honorary citizenship. 

The first event of the evening took place in the town hall of which every seat was taken and the aisles filled with people standing. After Prem Rawat accepted the citizenship, high school students from Mazara came to a microphone and directly asked Prem Rawat questions. Prem Rawat seemed as delighted by their simple and heartfelt questions as the audience was by his short and powerful answers. 

After the ceremony, Prem Rawat spoke at the Teatro Rivoli, just walking distance away. The event began with a speech from the Mayor who finished with these words: “Now we will listen to Prem Rawat, I already need to hear him again. Just moments ago he filled the town hall with peace and gave us a glimpse of his beautiful message. So I ask you to close your eyes, open your hearts and listen, just listen to him, because this is something Heavenly.” 

“Do you want to hear the truth? Do you want to hear the real truth?” Prem Rawat said. “It won’t take 30 minutes, just a few seconds. What you are looking for is within you.”

After Prem Rawat spoke he was invited back to the stage to receive a gift from the city. The Mayor was lost for words as he came to the microphone to thank Prem Rawat for the last time. Prem Rawat concluded the event with these words: “Thank you for this warm welcome. Today is a day I will never forget.”