Friends, I want to share something that’s been on my mind and heart these past few days. September 21st is the International Day of Peace, and I keep coming back to this question: how do we honor it in a way that isn’t just symbolic, but also meaningful?
I’ve been thinking about organizing an interfaith candlelight prayer vigil. Nothing fancy, just people gathered together in the park, lifting our prayers for peace in a world that so often feels torn apart. But I don’t want it to stop at prayer alone. As much as prayer is powerful, it calls us into action.
So here’s the vision: we gather to pray, we remember those suffering from violence and war, and we raise funds to support the World Food Programme, which is feeding hungry families across the globe. Because peace isn’t only about laying down weapons, it’s also about making sure children don’t go to bed hungry.
It’s all still in the “dreaming out loud” stage, but I wanted to let you in on it, because that’s what friends do. And maybe, just maybe, some of you will want to be part of it, whether by showing up, helping spread the word, or contributing in your own way.
I believe prayer and action go hand in hand. We can shine our candles in the night and also help put food on someone’s table. That feels like the kind of peace Jesus would recognize.
Stay tuned. I’ll share more details soon. For now, keep this intention in your prayers: that our little act of witness can help spark something bigger than ourselves.
With gratitude always,
Fr. Rich