Students pray for peaceful solution
By ANDREW THAGARD
News Writer
Notre Dame students, faculty and staff gathered in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Friday evening to pray for peace.
University President Edward Malloy presided over the 45-minute service, which featured prayers, hymns and readings from scripture and came amidst increased military action in Iraq. During the day on Friday, U.S. forces continued the bombing campaign over Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, and British and American forces moved into the country from Kuwait.
"May the God of peace be with all of us," Malloy said at the start of the service. "We join in prayer with our Holy Father John Paul II who recently pleaded, `Violence never again, war never again, terrorism never again.'"
A moderate number of people filled the center row of pews in a Basilica already stark for the Lenten season. Spotlights that typically illuminate the ceiling paintings were turned off Friday evening and lights over the alter were dimmed, adding a more somber tone to the service.
Malloy used his homily to remind those present of Jesus' commitment to peace and love of all people. He also urged students to pray for an end to the conflict and the safety of those involved.
"We pray for peace, for an end to the violence that we see around us, for a calming of fears," Malloy said. "We pray for the well being of those who represent our country. Most of all we pray for peace that, in the end, will be a gift from our loving God."
Closer to home, Malloy encouraged students to consider their own actions and question whether they were in line with Jesus' teachings.
"We pray … that we may recognize our call, our need to change our hearts," he said. "Jesus taught us over and over again that the call for peace begins with each one of us."
After the homily, the lights in the Basilica were turned off and those present knelt with lit candles. Two students read prayer intercessions modeled after the Beatitudes and members of the congregation exchanged signs of peace.
Friday's prayer service for peace marked the beginning of a series of religious services scheduled around campus for the duration of military action in Iraq. Earlier Friday, people gathered in the Basilica for a special Mass for peace and throughout the coming weekdays, a traveling rosary for peace will be held in a residence hall chapel. The series of rosary and prayer services will begin tonight in Sorin Hall at 9 p.m.
All News Stories for Monday, March 24, 2003
