CATAHOULA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - A group of Buddhist monks traveling across the country to promote peace is in Louisiana. Their most recent stop was Jonesville in Catahoula Parish.The journey, named Walk for Peace, is a 120-day walk covering 2,300 miles. It spans from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.They made a stop in Pineville and Alexandria earlier this week. The Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office met the monks at the Rapides-LaSalle Parish line and escorted them to Catahoula Parish.“We are honored to b...
CATAHOULA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - A group of Buddhist monks traveling across the country to promote peace is in Louisiana. Their most recent stop was Jonesville in Catahoula Parish.
The journey, named Walk for Peace, is a 120-day walk covering 2,300 miles. It spans from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.
They made a stop in Pineville and Alexandria earlier this week. The Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office met the monks at the Rapides-LaSalle Parish line and escorted them to Catahoula Parish.
“We are honored to be part of their mission to bring peace and unity,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “Praying for the monks’ safe travels across America.”
The monks have a Facebook page detailing their journey. As winter weather moves in, the monks said they are moving through the cold and wet conditions “with patience and determination, each step taken mindfully despite the conditions.”
While the monks made their way through Central and Northeast Louisiana, one of their members remained in Texas for surgery.
On Nov. 19, the group was involved in an accident in Dayton, Texas. Several monks were injured, along with an escorted driver.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, who is sponsoring the monks’ Walk for Peace, said a vehicle hit the group’s escort car and pushed it into the walking monks.
One member, Bhante Dam Phommasan, was severely injured. On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Bhante had his leg amputated due to the injuries he received in the accident.
“He is now resting comfortably under medical care and beginning the healing process,” the monks posted on Facebook. “On behalf of the Walk for Peace community, we extend our deepest appreciation for your prayers, compassion, and support during this challenging time.’
The monks’ next stop is Concordia Parish.
The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook, asking drivers to be safe and use caution to ensure safety of the walkers, volunteers and deputies.