From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy:
The World Day of Prayer for Peace
During this month we will mark the twelfth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We as a nation will recall the tragic deaths and injuries that occurred at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on the fields of Somerset, Pennsylvania. Many people, even those who are not particularly religious, will pause to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Those who died were office workers and firefighters. They were policemen and bankers. They were secretaries and security guards. They were moms and dads. In a very real sense, they were our brothers and sisters. And on September 11th, many people will offer special prayers for those who died, and also offer prayers of healing and comfort for those who lost love ones to these terrorist acts.
As we consider the events of this day, we are reminded that the Catholic fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus, annually holds a World Day of Prayer for Peace on September 11th as a way to remember this fateful day. The leaders of the Knights invite us to pray for peace among nations. They also invite us to “…pray that religion will be a means of peace and accord and not an excuse for violence and division”.
As we know all too well, the world, especially the Middle East, is still a very volatile place. We continue to have troops, young men and women, in the Middle East and elsewhere defending our freedoms. We also continue to have our military chaplains spiritually serving our troops and their families. This Wednesday evening, as a parish we will participate in the World Day of Prayer for Peace by setting aside time for prayer and by celebrating a special memorial Mass as a faith community at 7:30 p.m. As we partake in the services of this day, we are invited to pray for our troops and our chaplains. We are also invited to ask for the special intercession of our Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace, as we pray for peace, especially peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts. As Catholics and as faithful citizens, participating in the services of this day is one small way we can honor the lives and memories of all those touched by this tragedy.