Ukraine Redemptorist Bishop Nicholas and his companion martyrs, Basil, Zenon and Ivan,
Prayer Service for Peace
INTRODUCTION - Sr Gabrielle
This prayer service is being held in response to the shocking news of the recent nefarious attack on Ukraine by Russian and separatist forces, Pope Francis invites us all “believers and nonbelievers alike” on March 2nd, Ash Wednesday, to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine.
He says:“I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war,” (Pope Francis).
Sr Bindhu carries in the Ukrainian flag and places it in stand
Sr Nilima places icon on Altar
Sr Magdalena lights candles
Sr Helen - violin
1) Opening Hymn
Hosea (John Michael Talbot)
Pope Francis tells us how to fast- Sr Luc:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude
Fast from anger and be filled with patience
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate and simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful
Fast from bitterness: fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words; be silent and listen.
Silence
2) Hymn: Make me a channel of your peace.
What is peace? Sr Deirdra
The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World is rich in tradition and yet boldly new in the way it presents that tradition to the world. It is a manifesto of love directed toward an ever more secularized world, a world that looks with skepticism at the Church. In this way it is truly a pastoral constitution, for it aims to win the heart and mind of that skeptical, modern soul and bring the whole world closer to Christ Jesus, in whom all “truths find their root and attain their crown” (No. 22). (GS)
Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in which there is no hostility and violence. In social terms, we use it commonly to refer to a lack of conflict, such as war. Thus, it is freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups.
Peace is the path we take for bringing growth and prosperity to society. If we do not have peace and harmony, achieving political strength, economic stability and cultural growth will be impossible. Moreover, before we transmit the notion of peace to others, it is vital for us to possess peace within. It is not a certain individual’s responsibility to maintain peace but everyone’s duty.
It is a gift given to us by God!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Silence
3) Psalm 119 (120) Sung
To the Lord in my distress I call and he answers me. O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, from the tongue of the deceitful.
What shall he pay you in return, O treacherous tongue? The warrior’s arrows sharpened
and coals red hot blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
All: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now
and ever shall be, world without end.
Prayer for Peace (Together) Goodness is stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Victory is ours through Him who loves us. Desmond Tutu
Silence
4) Sr Monica: History has been proof of the thousands of war which have taken place in all periods at different levels between nations. Thus, we learned that peace played an important role in ending these wars or even preventing some of them.
In fact, if you take a look at all religious scriptures and ceremonies, you will realize that all of them teach peace. They mostly advocate eliminating war and maintaining harmony. In other words, all of them hold out a sacred commitment to peace.
It is after the thousands of destructive wars that humans realized the importance of peace. Earth needs peace in order to survive. This applies to every angle including wars, pollution, natural disasters and more.
When peace and harmony are maintained, things will continue to run smoothly without any delay. Moreover, it can be a savior for many who do not wish to engage in any disrupting activities or more. In other words, while war destroys and disrupts, peace builds and strengthens as well as restores. Moreover, peace is personal which helps us achieve security and tranquility and avoid anxiety and chaos to make our lives better.
Peace, Perfect Peace – Kevin Mayhew (Sr Maura and Sr Helen)
Peace, Perfect Peace, Is The Gift Of Christ Our Lord, Peace, Perfect Peace, Is The Gift Of Christ Our Lord. Thus, Says The Lord, Will The World Know My Friends, Peace, Perfect Peace, Is The Gift Of Christ Our Lord.
Love, Perfect love…
Faith, Perfect love…
Hope, Perfect love…
Joy, Perfect love…
Silence
Sr Maire Brid: The last area of human action involves the “fostering of peace and the promotion of a community of nations” (see Nos. 73-93 GS). Here the foundational principle is solidarity, that we are all responsible for all, an idea rooted in the natural law. We read that “contemplating this melancholy state of humanity, the council wishes, above all things else, to recall the permanent binding force of universal natural law and its all-embracing principles. Humankind’s conscience itself gives ever more emphatic voice to these principles” (No. 79). This natural law helps to connect one nation to another, and connect denominations. As Gaudium et Spes closes, it strikes an ecumenical note, encouraging cooperation between Catholics and our “separated brothersand sisters” as we try to advance the kingdom of God. (GS)
A Christian Prayer of Intercession for Peace in Our Time
Choir 1: O God, author and giver of peace, in whose image and likeness each of us has been created with a human dignity worthy of respect on earth and destined for eternal glory, Listen to the cry that rises from every corner of this fragile earth, from our human family torn by violent conflict: Choir 2: Give peace in our time, O good and gracious God, that peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us and as we have experienced in these days, is a peace which the world cannot give. Choir 1: To world leaders grant the wisdom to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and nation to that common humanity that makes us all your children and brothers and sisters to one another. Choir 2: To those who have taken up arms in anger or revenge or even in the cause of justice grant the grace of conversion to the path of peaceful dialogue and constructive collaboration. Choir 1: To the innocent who live in the shadow of war and terror, especially the frightened children, be a shelter and strength, their haven and hope. Choir 2: And to those who have already lost their lives as victims of human cruelty and chemical warfare, open wide your arms and enfold them all in the embrace of your compassion, healing, and everlasting life. Grant this through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord. Mary, Mother of all and Queen of peace, pray for us. - Peter J. Scagnelli
Instrumental Sr Petra + Sr Gabrielle
Night Prayer sung.
Final Ant: At the Cross – 7 verses.