Praying for Peace
On April 11, Pope Leo XIV led a global prayer vigil for peace, at St. Peter’s Basilica. Around 10,000 people gathered with many more joining online from their homes around the world. During the vigil, Pope Leo urged world leaders, “Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue.”
St. Thomas joined the rest of the world in praying for peace by holding a prayer service for peace April 11, outside by the Peace Pole. There were approximately 50 who gathered and heard these words, “In this Jubilee Year of St. Francis, we remember that peace is not only something we ask God to give. It is also something God asks us to live.” That was followed by the challenge to reflect on where God is asking each of us to be peacemakers.
The St. Thomas Peace Pole, initiated by the Pax Christi ministry, is located outside the Gathering Area doors. It is a six-sided stainless steel pole, about eight feet tall. The message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is cut into the pole in six languages: Arabic, English, Hebrew, Haitian Creole, Lakota and Spanish.
With the universal Church, the faith community of St. Thomas also prays, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Lord, hear our prayer.
