Prayers for Peace
observing united nations international day of peace
Sisters Anita Kuchera and Barbara DeStefano collaborate with Mother Laura Howell, an Episcopalian minister, during the September 21 interfaith service at Monocacy Manor. Mother Laura is a friend of St. Francis Center for Renewal and often brings groups there.
Sister M. Virginelle Makos chats with Mohammed Said Selmanlar, president of the Lehigh Dialogue Center. Along with Sisters Virginelle and Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster, Mohammed is a member of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group.
Each year, the United Nations International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21, the date the U.N. General Assembly has declared a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace – both within and among all nations and all peoples.
St. Francis Center for Renewal in Bethlehem, Pa., hosts an interfaith service in the Monocacy White House Chapel on this day each year. “Knowing the needs for peace throughout the world, we invite people of all faiths to join us, “ says Sister M. Virginelle Makos.
About 30 people attended the 2019 gathering, a crowd smaller than usual due to a weekend conflict with the Jewish sabbath. Music by Harpist Grace Adele helped to put those gathered into awareness of God’s presence before the service began with a blessing for the four directions of the earth.
Lit candles and a globe are carried to and placed on the altar, adorned with a carving of the words Pax Et Bonum. Special readings from John Dear, Buddha and the Bahá’í, Jewish and Christian faiths were included.
The sisters also placed signs along Bridle Path Road urging the public to pray for peace.
Music by harpist Grace Adele helped to set the scene and draw those gathered into the presence of God.