Religions in Assisi in Search of Peace

Prayers for Peace

The representatives of Christendom's religions prayed together in the lower Basilica of St.Francis, near the tomb that gives the church its name.  The function began with a "Trinitarian invocation"  by the people and three other delegates. Prayers were interspersed with hymns and invocations exalting peace as well as with Bible readings on the same theme. One prayer requested the establishment  of "an undivided faith." To conclude the ceremony, the participants sang the our Father in Latin, based on Matthew chapter 6, verses 9-13. 

At the same time, delegates of other religious groups were praying at other locations. In a hall oriented toward Mecca, the Muslims kneeling on carpets, called on Allah.  The Zoroastrians who prayed near the Jains and the Confucians, lit a sacred fire. The delegates  representing tradition African religions prayed to the spirits of their ancestors.  The Hindus ask for peace from their gods. All implored their divinities according to their own rites. 

Next time: Religions in Assisi in Search of Peace - A Common  Commitment to Peace

From the Awake! magazine, 2002