Miss World Contestants Pray for Peace

Denpasar, Bali (Antara) - Miss World 2013 contestants prayed for world peace and harmony at the World Peace Monument in Kertalangu cultural village here on Saturday. "This prayer is for the commemoration of World Peace Day that falls on Saturday (Sept 21)," chairwoman of Miss Indonesia Organization, Liliana Tanoesoedibjo, said in a press statement received here on Saturday evening. She added that the mass prayers, which were led by a number of priests and religious leaders, were organized by a group that has been created by the organizer to promote world peace. "The program has been carried out since 1982 by the United Nations. This did not happen all of sudden or accidentally but (through it) we, as human beings, wish to preserve harmony in the world," she said. The contestants participating in the prayers wore white dresses as they prayed according to their faiths. "We must celebrate that all unite for peace, (and are) peaceful towards each other. We live in this world and so must create peace," the contestant from Britain, Kristy Heslewood, said. She said to help create peace, she wished to help others who are not as fortunate by providing humanitarian aid. When asked about the many conflicts throughout the world, Kristy said people should help, understand and love each other. "We must work together and understand each other's religion and culture. The more we can accept others, the greater the chance will be for us to be able to live side by side and love each other," she said. Besides praying together, the contestants also planted trees around the village, including coconut, mango and frangipani trees. To recognize peace, the contestant from Indonesia, Vania Larissa, and Miss World 2012, Wenxia Yu, representing all contestants, struck the gong of peace. Contestants also released white balloons and doves as symbols of peace. (*)