NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

Groups Encouraging Diocesan Faithful to Join in Prayers for Peace

The Catholic Light
February 20, 2003

As conflicts continue to rage or brew in all corners of the world, a group of people in one corner of the Diocese of Scranton is promoting peace through prayer.

The Arise Jerusalem, Arise Ministry, a Catholic organization based in Honesdale, is launching a Crusade for PRayer for Peace campaign. The effort is intended to encourage people to pray continually for peace between nations, within families and between neighbors.

THe organization is not a protest or political group, but is based on the concept that peace is a concern for all people, according to Neva Rose Capezza, public relations coordinator.

The goal, she said, is to have "one million hearts united in praying for peace in the world every Monday."

AJA is enlisting individuals, parishes and groups at area colleges and universities to participate in the prayer crusade. A special Mass for Peace was celebrated last Friday, Feb. 14, by Msgr. John A. Esseff at Our Lady of the Abingtons Church in Dalton.

For more information on the organization, call (570) 698-0776 or visit the website: www.ourladyofallgraces.org

An effort is also underway to promote a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace on March 3.

Dan Lynch of the Jesus King of All Nations Devotion, an apostolate based in St. Albans, VT, explained that the date is symbolic because it is the third day of the third month of the third year of the third millennium. These "3s" remind us of the three persons of the Blessed Trinity - three equal divine persons in one divine nature. This convergence of the number 3 won't happen again for another thousand years, he said.

In observance of the hour of Jesus Christ's death, on March 3 at 3 pm people are being asked to recite the Chaplet of Mercy and this prayer:

Prayer for Life, Peace and Protection

Almighty God, we turn from evil towards you and humbly implore you to grant us mercy, pardon, life, peace, protection, love, joy and all good things to that we may live in harmony with you and one another. We turn to you in the great expectation of receiving from you all of these things.

Forgive us our sins against you, heal our brokenness, and renew our hearts so that we may be one in you. Grant wisdom to our leaders to make decisions in accordance with your will for life, peace and protection.

Protect the lives of all human beings, our families, state and country. Guard us. Help us to love our enemies, protect us from our enemies, from terrorism, from war and from your just judgment. Almighty God, we trust in your great mercy. May your reign be recognized on earth.

Amen.

Newspaper Articles ( most recent first )

Catholic Radio Show Premieres On Honesdale Station June 15
(The Wayne Independent 6/12/03)

Arise Jerusalem on Air
(The Catholic Light 6/12/03)

Group in Scranton to Fight with Prayer
(The Tribune 3/20/03)

Groups Encouraging Diocesan Faithful to Join in Prayers for Peace
(The Catholic Light 2/20/03)

Hearts Join To Pray For Peace
(The Wayne Independent 2/12/03)