The Johannes Vianney Scouts from Eindhoven are on their way to Austria. They are to bring back the vredesvlam (Flame of Peace). This flame will be used to light the first torches used in the traditional Fakkeltocht (Torchlight Procession).
On Saturday, members of the scouting group will bring the flame back from the city of Linz in Austria. Hannah, a scout from Eindhoven has been chosen as the Vredeskind (Child of Peace) on behalf of Vredeslicht Nederland (The Light of Peace).
She will receive the burning flame in Linz. On 22 December, in Utrecht, the flame will be spread to other scouting groups in the Netherlands. On Christmas Eve, 24 December, this flame will kick off the Fakkeltocht in Eindhoven.
The burning flame will be kept alight by different families until 24 December, when the Fakkeltocht is to take place. In this way, they can light the first torch along with the city’s mayor, John Jorritsma. This will be done together with the World Peace Flame.
“We will divide the Peace Flame up further among our scouts”, says Marie-Louise Hellings of the Johannes Vianney Scouts. “They will then divide their flames among their family members.”
There will also be a large peace ceremony held on Saturday afternoon in Linz. Here, more than 20 countries will be represented. During the ceremony, each country’s Child of Peace will step up and read the Peace Wish. Each country also has its own flag bearer. “This year, it is, of course, extra special for us to have Hannah on the podium”, says Marie-Louise.
Please see our events page for more information about the Fakkeltocht.
Source: Studio040
Translated by: Melinda
