What is peace? And how do we achieve it together?

That will be the focus of “The Day of Peace” program Monday.

The public event hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond aims to bring together people of different faiths for discussions about peace.

The program is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 800 S. Cathedral Place, across from Monroe Park.

“To achieve peace, we must work toward a mutual understanding and a shared vision of justice,” Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, head of the Richmond diocese, stated in announcing the program.

He described the event “as the start of a new collective work toward pragmatic outcomes that truly benefit people.”

The program will include a panel discussion on topics ranging from education to health care and economic empowerment, along with prayers and readings on peace.

The Virginia Conference of Catholic Bishops is co-sponsoring the event with the Universal Peace Federation, according to the Rev. George Russell, who heads the Richmond UPF branch.

The Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond, which represents 23 religious bodies, also is supporting the effort, said Dale Fickett, director of the state bishops conference.

The program is being held in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Further information: Rev. Russell at (804) 200-9159, Mr. Fickett at (804) 359-5651 or www.cosmicpeace.org.