Filipinos asked to join in praying for peace

An interreligious movement has appealed for prayers and nationwide participation in the “Prayer for Peace in the Philippines” initiative to be held July 7 at 12:00 noon. The convenors believe that prayer for unity changes things, so they are asking all Filipinos from every faith and sector of society to pray with them for peace in the country. “Anywhere, everywhere. Filipinos are urged to pray wherever they are,” said the Pasa Lord Prayer Movement. Organizers said people can come together with family, friends or their communities and churches in their usual prayer venues, or gather in groups at their work places or their schools. The movement is composed of ordinary citizens from various faiths and denominations including Catholics who are mostly from Charismatic groups, Muslims, Protestants and Evangelicals. “We are also asking people to echo the call to prayer to their contacts, friends and family members, and to urge them to do the same so that the call will reach every Filipino in the country and the world,” they said. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is also inviting the faithful to join in praying for peace. “The CBCP was invited and we joined,” said Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP President. The call to prayer for peace comes amid the month-long hostilities in Marawi City, which has promoted the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. CBCPNews