All day long they came in a steady stream. Not hundreds but a dozen, maybe fifteen folks at a time. In response to the Holy Father's request, St. Pius X Church was open this past Saturday from 9am-3:30pm, for those who wanted to come and pray for peace in Syria. Pope Francis also called us to fast for peace. With only a few days to get the word out I wasn't sure if anyone would come. After all it was a Saturday...the busiest day of the week for folks in Bowie. Last Tuesday we added an announcement about the prayer time on our website, I sent out an email to parishioners who signed up to receive our "emergency alerts", and we announced it at daily Mass on Thursday and Friday. There was not much more we could do. There would not be a weekend to announce it all the Masses. But they came....a few at first, then a more steady flow all day long. Glancing across the parking a few times I counted about a dozen cars and saw folks coming and going. I guess folks are not as jaded as some might think. Catholics still believe in the power of prayer; still want to follow the guidance of spiritual leaders....still believe in peace. As I write this, the possibility of war seems to be on hold. Let's continue to pray that the peace lasts and that diplomacy can prevail. That as the Holy Father says, we all realize that "violence only begets violence, war only leads to more war." Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you have hope that God can calm the wars in your heart, your life? I do. Beginning on Thursday September 19th and every Thursday after, our church will be open for silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. This will be every Thursday from 9:30am-8pm. Adoration will end with simple Benediction. Why not stop by for some quiet time with the Lord? Allow God to speak to your heart, calm your fears, fill you with his love, reveal his game plan for your life. I guarantee that the Lord will not let you down. Trust in the power of prayer and God's power to restore all things in Christ. |