Let’s build bridges and pray for peace.
Our troubled world desperately needs peace. Pope Leo XIV speaks constantly about peace and reconciliation and champions interreligious dialogue as a ‘sacred task for all humanity’ and a necessary path to peace. At an international meeting for peace in Rome last October, Pope Leo, in the presence of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and other religious representatives renewed the church’s call for reconciliation, dialogue and fraternity among all peoples: ‘We cannot truly pray to God as Father of all if we treat any people as other than sisters and brothers, for all are created in God’s image.’
In our own diocese, a group of Christian and Muslim women has met annually since 2010 to pray for peace in the ruins of St Mary’s Chapel in Jesmond. St. Mary’s chapel was once an important medieval shrine to Our Lady, so it provides a suitable and very tranquil setting to honour Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to pray for peace.
Following both examples, we will meet at 2.30pm on Saturday 13, June in St Mary’s Chapel, and it would be wonderful if you could join us. The shrine is situated towards the Jesmond Dene end of Reid Park Road, but by car, you need to approach from Osborne Road. Some folding chairs will be provided, but you might like to bring your own.
In the shrine, we share readings about Mary from the Bible and the Qur’an, some hymns, and prayers for peace. We then proceed either by car or on foot to Holy Name Parish Hall for some vegetarian refreshments and a chance to share ideas. Holy Name Parish Hall is on Towers Avenue, about half a mile from the shrine.
Traditionally, this event is limited to women and children only. However, men accompanying their families are now also welcome to attend. It is open to those of all faiths and none, keen to promote unity and understanding between peoples and to pray for peace.
We look forward to seeing you there.
For further information contact:
Maria Mackenzie on 07796 372316,
Hengameh Ashraf Emami on 07912 749017,
Mary McLoughlin on 0191 285 0391, or email: interreligious.relations@diocesehn.org.uk.
Download a poster here.