Rome (Fides Service) - The memorable second Assisi Inter-religious Meeting Prayer for Peace convoked and presided over by Pope John Paul II last year 24 January, with representatives of the world's religions, is still bringing fruit. Exactly a year to the day of the 2nd Meeting (the first was held in 1986) special peace events are being held in various dioceses all over the world, particularly in Italy. In Bari the Poor Clare Sisters will open their convent, usually closed to the public, and all through the day in the adjoining convent chapel, parish groups will take it in turns to guarantee prayers for peace.
Imola diocese has organised a candlelight procession for peace to culminate with a prayer vigil through the night. Reggio Calabria diocese has organised seminars on the Pope's Message for World Peace Day this year. Other dioceses have combined initiatives and prayers for peace with ecumenical events, since January 24 falls during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Fr Tonio Dell'Olio, national co-ordinator of Pax Christi Italy, explains: "We hope to increase awareness among Catholics and society at large of the Christian duty to build peace. Jesus taught his disciples to be announcers of peace. Encouraged by the words of the Holy Father we want to put peace-making at the centre of the life of the Church".
As the world shudders at the thought of a new war, Catholics are committed to working and praying for peace. (Fides Service 24/1/2003)