Florida Catholic | Festival Peace Plea Unites Faiths

Festival peace plea unites faiths

Festival’s Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace unites members of diverse faiths in common prayer.

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 05.22.08

ORLANDO | The room was full, yet quiet in reverent anticipation of the Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace. Four members of the Jatibonicu Taino Boricua tribe – the original people of Puerto Rico – approached the platform; the bells and beads of their costumes softly announced the start and the crisp notes of a flute sounded, “Good Morning, Heavenly Father.”

Bishop Thomas Wenski rose to welcome the invited guests, “We are very happy to join together with members of other faith traditions in the spirit of Assisi where (in February 1972) Pope John Paul II invited leaders of many religions to the hometown of St. Francis to pray together for peace.”

Gathered were dignitaries and members of many faiths: Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Baha’i, Sikh, Seventh Day Adventist; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Anglican Church. Joining them were individuals from the Nile Foundation, a nonprofit organization to promote better understanding and relations between the Turkish and American communities in Orlando, and the Multifaith Education Project, which brings together Jewish, Christian and Muslim children to learn about each other’s culture and religion.

“We stand together as we pray together in our various traditions for peace,” Bishop Wenski continued, then led the community in opening prayer.

The Festival of Faith program contained the English translation of all the prayers so all present could understand and participate.

Interspersed with recited prayer were the offerings of the Jones High School Choir of Orlando with a Negro Spiritual, Doxology and The Lord’s Prayer.

“The choir was good,” said Brandon Walker, 14, who came with a busload of students from various schools all representing Florida Hospital Seventh Day Adventist. “It was cool to see all these religions and it gives me hope for the future.”

Thirteen-year-old Caitlyn Fowler added, “I learned a lot. It doesn’t matter what religion you are – everyone is looking for peace.”

After viewing a video, “Be the Peace” with images and quotes from prominent leaders of peace, Al and Jo Peterson, parishioners from the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach were effusive. “I’ve always felt in my heart that we need to learn to love each other,” said Jo Peterson, “and the video was excellent.” Al Peterson agreed, “I cried. The Sikh tradition reminded me so much of Mother Teresa. She would have felt right at home.”

Return to Diocese of Orlando Front Page

Festival peace plea unites faiths

Other Stories