A Time for Courage - For Our World
“Love, hope, and courage
are the strongest forces
of the universe.
They are also
the best ways
to make peace, and
to use your freedom.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
During September…
We celebrate the 25th anniversary
of Mattie’s “For Our World” poem,
penned just before midnight
on September 11, 2001.
This passage is not only
Mattie’s personal response
to tragedy and trauma
– he watched friends he had
hugged on September 10
perish in collapsing buildings –
it is also a “call to action.”
Mattie tells us:
“Stop. Be Silent. And notice.”
He reminds us:
“Our differences are unique treasures…
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts –
to nurture, to offer, to accept.”
He implores us:
“Be. Just be.”
“Pray – differently, yet together,
before there is no earth, no life,
no chance for peace.
Please visit our
“For Our World Campaign”
page to read or
listen to Mattie sharing this
timeless and universal
passage for peace.
We welcome comments,
and additional translations.
Help Mattie reach his goal
of sharing this poem
in 101 languages.
What's Been Happening...
Personalized Gift Bricks
were installed in
Mattie’s Park & Peace Garden.
Enjoy photos here…
We will begin taking orders
for the 2027 installation
later this fall.
2026 #MeghanRocks
and Peace Messages
Friends and members of
UCR and Main Street Connect
joined Mama Peace for
an afternoon of celebrating life
and reflecting on the
lives and legacies
of Mattie and Meghan
who continue to inspire.
Read the story
and view photos here…
What's About to Happen...
Mama Peace Chats
at Ingleside at King Farm
IKF first became Peace Certified
by Mattie’s Foundation in 2011 –
creating a mosaic of quilts
representing the diverse
retirement community.
Until Covid interrupted,
IKF hosted annual
“Mattie Stepanek Peace Lectures”
each fall. Now, they are ready
to resume not only the
annual lecture, but also
begin monthly conversations
about peace, purpose, and play
facilitated by Dr. Jeni Stepanek.
Want to invite Mama Peace
to your community?
Let us know here…
EWTN Interview
On Thursday, September 10,
Dr. Jeni Stepanek and
Retired Firefighter Kevin Reilly
share memories of Mattie’s
close relationship with the IAFF,
and the ongoing impact of his
“For Our World” poem –
penned late on 9/11 in 2001
after Mattie watched
firefighter friends perish
in the terrorist attacks.
The poem serves as a
call to action – for peace.
What We Are Working On...
SAVE THE DATE
Our 2nd Annual
Holiday Toast2Peace
and Ugly Sweater Contest
will take place
December 10, 2026
6-8 pm
“Community Clink” 7 pm
World of Beer, Rockville, MD
196 E. Montgomery Ave
Mattie’s Interactive
Peace Center
and Virtual Museum
Mattie’s Foundation is seeking
sponsorships and grant support as we
develop this three phase project
(archive and organize the materials,
develop and create the site,
and launch and disseminate the
galleries and spaces for exploring,
connecting, and learning
by local and global neighbors.
If you would like to learn more
or support this project,
please let us know:
INFO@MattiesPeaceFoundation.org
What's You Can Do to Support Our Work...
Mattie’s Peace Foundation
is a volunteer-based non-profit that
relies on the generous support of
our donors and sponsors.
Monthly, annual, and one-time gifts
help us move peace from
abstract ideas and attitudes
to hands-on activities and practices.
Thank you for choosing
to help us continue
Mattie’s mission and vision
for moving
from Heartsongs
(inner purpose & peace)
to mosaics
(collective purpose & peace).
What Matters...
