Our Lady of Peace




Eirene (Greek)

In Greek mythology, Eirene was the goddess who personified peace. Although she did not play an active part in many myths, Eirene was still a source of inspiration for several ancient artists, writers, and poets. Indeed, the brilliant Greek playwright Aristophanes jests about the goddess being overshadowed by War in a passage of his play The Peace.

The Theogony of Hesiod - claims that Eirene was the daughter of Zeus and Themis.
Hesiod states: “His second wife was radiant Themis; she bore the Seasons, Lawfulness and Justice and blooming Peace, who watch over the works of mortal men . . . ”

Eirene was also a member of the group of goddesses who were referred to collectively as the Horae or Seasons. And as we can see from the quote above, the Horae were Eirene and her sisters Lawfulness (Eunomia) and Justice (Dike). The goddess Eirene was known by the name of Pax in Roman mythology.

 
 

Dona nobis pacem; grant us peace.