"Through the walk, one believes that one’s negative energy is freed,(;) this occurs in the walk towards the center. And on the way back, one feels lighter, with a renewed spirit. This makes it possible for one to have the strength and energy to continue.”
Thaker, a citizen from India who visited the Temple of Good Will in the company of a friend, agronomy engineer Newton de Matos Roda, from the Brazilian city of Campinas/São Paulo State. Thaker saw an image of the TGW in a report on BBC and as soon as he came to Brazil, he made it a point to visit the place.
"This Temple celebrates Unrestricted Ecumenism among people and promotes the best within us all, purifying us in the process. Your vital energy shall be renewed when you place yourself below the largest pure crystal in the world, during your visit to the LGW’s Temple of Good Will in Brasília that proposes to promote Universal Solidarity among men (...).”
James Van Praagh, North American medium.
"I spent the whole day today visiting this Cathedral and Mecca of the World Good Will. Moved, I treaded this Holy Land as a pilgrim. I consider the LGW to be the most authentic expression of Christianism, the most faithful vision of the Spirit of the Gospel, Jesus. I return to Rio [de Janeiro] converted, more than ever, into a LGW Legionnaire, and I will do my best as a multiplying agent of this seed which was planted today in my soil. In the Council of Honor of the World Parliament I shall be a dedicated worker.”
Nehemias Marien (in memoriam—Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Bethesda, in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro/RJ)
"The success obtained in this event was certainly the result of the tireless work conducted by the LGW, as well as the good understanding between the organizers and the participants of this event. To demonstrate our appreciation and gratitude, we are sending some gifts from our country to your Organization. Upon congratulating you on your excellent work, we would like to also reaffirm to the Legion of Good Will our highest regards and distinct consideration.”
Ahimsa Soekartono (First Secretary of Culture of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia who promoted an event in the Temple of Good Will)
"This construction of Paiva Netto, the Temple of Good Will, is a universal poetry.”
"I wish to congratulate Paiva Netto for this beautiful monument, which blends shape, joy and also Good Will (which has been much in need among people at large), where numbers are not important and where what counts is the intrinsic value of things. (...) I came here rather incognito, but I only saw the Temple. Now that I will come to the city more often, I will become a citizen of Brasília at heart, and a regular visitor of this universal poetry that is the work of Paiva Netto. My friend, congratulations, because you are doing a fraction of something good, which is the original idea of God. (...) I am very happy to see and hear the continuation of Zarur’s lifework, whom I was fortunate enough to meet in Rio de Janeiro when we discussed sonnets, and sonnets are the Psalms of the people. (...) This breathtaking continuation, which is so beautiful, is the work of Paiva Netto, whom, among all the ecumenical people I have met, is the one who most dedicated himself to the beautiful services that help those in need. He is a very humane personality, a musician, a composer that speaks a universal language, and music is the most ecumenical language in existence. In this aspect, I place myself beside our dear Paiva Netto.”
Juca Chaves, composer, singer and poet.
"I love coming to the Temple of Good Will.”
"I came today to the TGW to bring my son. Every time I come to Brasília, I drop by. It’s a great place! I took the opportunity to visit the Egyptian Room. I love to come to the Temple; it is a peaceful place. The idea of an Ecumenical Temple, the idea of bringing together all religions is a great vision; this goes towards helping unity. I wish to thank you for everything and send a kiss and all my best wishes to the LGW.”
Fernanda Torres (actress)
Fernanda Montenegro is immortalized at the TGW
Renowned actress Fernanda Montenegro who celebrates her birthday in October and was granted the Commendation of the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity of the LGW’s ParlaMundi, in the Art and Culture category, pointed out the Organization’s Ecumenism during her visit to the Temple of Good Will: "The LGW has had a word and a presence of comfort now for years, and that moves me. Right from the Legion [of Good Will]’s early days, there was a talk about the ecumenical fact; this is something Pope John XXIII had not yet defined as a concept within the Catholic Church, for instance. And nowadays, it is fundamental for one to respect the paths the world has to reach God, because He is only one. I also wish to send a warm hug to Paiva Netto, who is a very kind and enterprising person”.
Later, she commented on the performance of the LGW: "What really moves me with the Legion of Good Will is all the social service it performs throughout Brazil. The spiritual side is great, it’s wonderful, but if it isn’t backed by mercy and help for our neighbor in distress, Jesus will take no notice of our souls. I am speaking not as a Legionnaire, but as a Human Being who understands the word ‘fraternity’. Thank you very much!”.
During her visit, the actress was surprised to see her own picture included in the Panel The Evolution of Humanity, which brings together renowned people who have been responsible for important contributions for the progress of all people. "It was a great surprise. I accept the honor with all my heart because I am in the company of Paulo Gracindo and Shakespeare, so it is a totally theatrical panel. I thank you all very much for the thought, it is a very touching and beautiful tribute”.
Fernanda Montenegro and her late husband, Fernando Torres.
"The Temple of Good Will is the greatest reference of Spirituality in Brasília.”
"Brasília is a reference of Spirituality and the Temple of Good Will is the greatest of them all. (...) I begin from a sensitivity point of view, but it is difficult to detail everything one sees. But the creation of a sensitive atmosphere, with an option for spaces that are lighted from all sides and in every room, is something that conveys a very pleasant feeling. What impresses me is the fact that the intention, above all else, is to sensitize people in relation to the world and in relation to life and death. (...) The TGW represents, more than anything else, a source. It is permanent, eternal, so to speak, because it is not only a source of relief, it is an inspiration too, and this means a lot.”
Walter Avancini (in memoriam—Writer, author of television soap operas and short series, aside from being a TV director)
"Due to the fact that Brazil is a veritable melting pot with so many races, so many people, the Legion [of Good Will] has had to have the sensitiveness to bring together and attract so many leaderships to the World Peace Summit Conference. I would like to take this opportunity to forward a very respectful message to Dr. Paiva Netto, whom I met many years ago* and whose presence and power are unforgettable for anyone who has met him. I hope to meet him again soon.”
Errol Lincoln Uys (North American writer)
* Mr. Uys refers to a cordial meeting he had with the leader of the LGW in the 80’s at the Legion of Good Will’s headquarters in São Paulo, SP (Brazil). On that occasion, he affirmed: "Paiva Netto, being a practical man, nevertheless has a soul of a poet”.
"José de Paiva Netto, I know the fight you are fighting, because I have been in it too for many years, fighting for the well-being of our country’s children and against juvenile delinquency since the movie ‘Trombadinha’. I know this is a very big fight. May God give you health! May all the people from the Legion of Good Will, in this effort, achieve the spiritual benefits and offer a feasible future for the children assisted by the LGW’s schools throughout Brazil.”
Pelé ("Athlete of the Century” and winner of the Commendation of the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity of the LGW’s ParlaMundi, in 1996, in the Sports category)
During his visit to the Temple of Good Will, acclaimed actor Paulo Autran took the opportunity to thank the Organization for having placed his picture in the Noble Hall: "Thank you very much! I am here in the TGW, thanks to God, beside my great friend Tônia Carrero and Dom Hélder Câmara (1909-1999), wonderful people for our country.”
Paulo Autran (Late actor and winner of the Commendation of the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity of the LGW’s ParlaMundi, in the year 2000, in the Culture category)
"I am impressed with the magnitude of the Legion of Good Will and especially with the essence that it represents, not only in the field of Education, but also on health, and health with Spirituality. So this is, as one can readily notice, an integrated undertaking to serve human needs. Having followed the LGW’s actions now for some years, I feel that Brazil really needed an Organization of this magnitude, which has spread out not only throughout this country, but globally, as the effects of what the Legionnaire Brothers are doing in the country and in Latin America and the world in general reach far out. (...) The Temple of Good Will is not only an historical landmark, but also a spiritual one. We must actually increase the visibility of this monument, divulging its existence, because it is something worthy of everyone’s acceptance. In my perception, what is being developed in the Temple of the LGW is something truly impressive. May God bless Paiva Netto and his staff, and may we all have a much better world soon.”
Reverend Rui Moraes Barbosa (in memoriam—Former member of the Reunited Presbyterian Church and senior chaplain of the Council of Evangelical Ministers of the Federal District).
"What I really enjoyed, first and foremost, was the architecture of the Temple of the LGW; I have great admiration for it, and I am naturally in tune with its ecumenical intention and in favor of Peace, in favor of the unity of humankind. These are values that I also cherish. (...) Your philosophy is one of understanding among all people, giving no room for dogmas, which I find very appealing.”
Mário Soares (Former President of Portugal and winner of the Commendation of the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity of the LGW’s ParlaMundi, in 1996, in the hors-concours category)
“The LGW’s social assistance work is top class.”
This statement came from late sociologist Herbert de Souza, known as Betinho, in an article published in the renowned national magazine Veja, when it described the profile of the President of the LGW, José de Paiva Netto, in 1994.
Herbert de Souza, known as Betinho (in memoriam—Sociologist, winner of the Commendation of the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity of the LGW’s ParlaMundi, in 1996, in the Solidarity category).
"It’s wonderful to come here to the TGW, because it elevates the Spirit and soothes the Soul. This is what we need. Then, in a beautiful place such as this, you are not discriminated in any way, you do not feel anxiety, nor do you suffer with the stress of daily life. You feel peace in your heart and this is a very, very strong energy.”
Brian Weiss (North American psychiatrist and writer who, during a visit to the Temple of Peace, stopped before the birth chart of the President of the LGW and was clearly impressed with Paiva Netto’s power of achievement and high Spirituality)
"When Alziro Zarur passed away, any concerns any person could have were suddenly removed when in his place a figure of great spiritual and moral value such as Paiva Netto appeared. And the LGW didn’t suffer with the transition. One leader ended his journey and the next took over seamlessly from that point, never dropping the baton, such as occurred with Moses and Joshua.”
Jonas Rezende (Minister Emeritus of the Christian Church of Ipanema, in Rio de Janeiro)
"The Temple of the LGW is an estuary of so many different paths, many different beliefs, hopes, statements of faith and commitments of love that I consider it a universality of certainty. The Legion of Good Will’s proposal, not only for Brazil, but for the world, is a great moment of understanding. Who in the world can decline such an invitation? Who can turn down this commitment of Love, Faith and this universal appeal? (...) Paiva Netto took on this proposal as a commitment, more than hope or a vision towards the horizon. In truth, the message of Good Will maintained by him is the only substantial and fundamental commitment. The rest is poetry, Faith and Love of each one. I have great respect for Paiva Netto, who received a message and is maintaining his commitment with integrity, modesty, Faith, and great respect.”
José Aparecido de Oliveira (in memoriam—Former Brazilian Ambassador to Portugal. Also served the country as Minister of Foreign Affairs).
"I want to congratulate you [Paiva Netto] for the wonderful enterprise that has become, since its inauguration in 1989, the Temple of Peace, the Temple of Meditation for citizens of Brasília and whoever may come by. As a journalist, I am a witness of historical facts; most of which are not always reported by the press. When I worked for Veja magazine and later for the O Estado de São Paulo newspaper, we used to find, in the early hours of dawn, during the difficult phases of our country’s political life, more than one President meditating, touching the Mandala, walking on the spiral, energizing themselves with the Crystal, listening to wonderful words or first class music. This Temple today is talked about in the whole world and I can’t find the words myself to thank you for having built it in Brasília which is the capital of the Third Millennium, where Ecumenism has found its own.”
Marlene Galeazzi (journalist)
"(...) In my name, and on behalf of my Brothers of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization — PLO — and on behalf of the Palestinian people, I would like to thank you for the kind invitation for the inauguration of the LGW’s Temple of Good Will (1989). My congratulations for the activities performed to help the poor and in defense of Humankind, Justice and oppressed people. (...)”
Yasser Arafat (in memoriam)
President of the Palestine Authority and Nobel Peace Prize in 1994
“The LGW’s project is truly unique, concrete, creative, gathering all those who want Peace, tranquility for religions, for ethnic groups. By means of this project, the Legion of Good Will receives outcast boys and gives them a shelter, affection, Education. In short, it is an extraordinary program that should inspire governments and organizations from other countries of the world to do the same. The culture of Peace, of tolerance, of living together with other ethnic groups is what leads to a true and lasting peace and to social progress. (...) I am touched by this chance to visit the LGW. I am deeply dazzled by this opportunity to see so many expressions of art, of spiritual value, an appeal for Peace, for concord among peoples, among nations. I believe it would be useful and good if countries at war would come here (Temple of Good Will) and meditate, to realize the complete uselessness of their conflicts. There is so much human and spiritual beauty being destroyed in the world. And the Temple of the Legion of Good Will is really unique. I think that the most important aspect of the Organization in this project, in this architecture, is the spirit of ethnic, cultural, religious brotherhood, where there are no social or economic differences. Everything is represented here; from all over, people can maintain a dialogue. It is really very, very interesting.”
Dr. José Ramos Horta
East Timor President, Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, when visiting the Legion of Good Will in Brazil.
"My sincere votes that the LGW may contribute so that the Brazilian people may live in Peace, free from fear and intimidation that the paths of violence impose.”
Shirin Ebadi
International Human Rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, after receiving from the LGW’s representatives the magazine Solidary Society, during an event at the UN.
“Dear Mr. José de Paiva Netto, I entrust you with my prayers for all people. May God’s blessings be with all of you of the Legion of Good Will, and may many get to know the Love of Jesus through the World Parliament of Ecumenical Fraternity, of the LGW, and keep alive the Good News of His Love in the world, loving one another as He has loved us. May God bless you.”
Mother Teresa of Calcutta (in memoriam) Nobel Peace Prize in 1979
“I feel very happy and honored with this homage given by the ParlaMundi of the Legion of Good Will.”
Nelson Mandela
In memoriam — Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, considered one of the greatest personalities of the 20th century, was awarded in the Hors Concours category with the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity in 1997.
"One must fight in favor of those who cannot defend themselves such as children, our future generations. This groundwork, so to speak, conducted by the LGW, is the most important part because the danger is real. There’s no exaggeration at all in saying that the human species is in danger: 21 thousand tons of carbon dioxide are dumped into the atmosphere every single year!... How much is enough?”
Fidel Castro (Former President of Cuba)
“It is marvelous to talk about the Temple of Good Will and the World Parliament of Ecumenical Fraternity. They represent something I have always believed in, which is that all persons and all religions have the same potential to help Humanity. All of them bear in themselves the message of compassion, Love and spiritual forgiving. What the Legion of Good Will does is marvelous. I entirely support this work and hope that my Spirit and Soul may always be with you.”
Dalai-Lama Tenzin Gyatso, Religious Tibetan leader who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, and the Commendation of the Order of Merit of Ecumenical Fraternity of the LGW, in 1999, ParlaMundi, in the Hors Concours category.