Our Lady of Peace



Pax (Roman)

Pax (peace) was a Roman goddess and the personification of peace, the Latin equivalent of the Greek goddess Eirene. Ceasar Augustus promoted the goddess Pax, who is depicted as a young woman with a cornucopia and olive branch or staff. A temple to Pax (Templum Pacis or Forum Pacis) in Rome was dedicated by Vespasian in 75. There was also a minor sanctuary, the Ara Pacis, on the Campus Martius. Her attributes are the olive branch, a cornucopia, and a scepter.

Stobart, on the reign of Augustus: “There are many signs of the earnest longing for Peace in the Roman world. 'Pax' and 'Irene' became common names. In the West and East; 'Pax' was the legend on coins.”
The Grandeur that was Rome, p. 166

Festivals of Pax :

Dedication of the Altar of Peace – January 30
“Ara Pacis, a monument dedicated on 30 January (9 before this era) by the Senate, as Augustus records in his Testament.”
O.C.D.

“January 30th. The course of my song has led me to the altar of Peace. The day will be the second from the end of the month. Come, Peace, thy dainty tresses wreathed . . . and let thy gentle presence abide in the whole world. So but there be nor foes nor food for triumphs, thou shalt be unto our chiefs a glory greater than war. May the soldier bear arms only to check the armed aggressor, and may the fierce trumpet blare for naught but solemn pomp. Add incense, ye priests, to the flames that burn on the altar of Peace.”
Ovid, Fasti. I. 709

March 30 - Concordia, Salus et Pax; Concord, Health and Peace
“March 30th . . . it will be time to adore Janus, the gentle Concord with him, and Roman Safety, and the altar of Peace.”
Ovid, Fasti, 111. 879
 
 

Dona nobis pacem; grant us peace.