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The 16th International Week of Prayer and Fasting

WASHINGTON, October 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The 16th International Week of Prayer and Fasting (October 5-13, 2008) featuring Immaculee Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor, Congressman Chris Smith, Sister Briege McKenna, Fr. Frank Pavone and others, aims to build up the Culture of Life through prayer and fasting centered around a conference in Washington D.C.

The International Week of Prayer and Fasting Coalition said in a press release that they have gained huge momentum due to the current financial crisis and the election. Coalition Chairperson Maureen Flynn says he believes the mission of organizing prayers for world peace, life issues, economic stability and the upcoming presidential election has never been more necessary.

Flynn stated, "Our country and our world are at a crossroads.  We must see the critical importance of this election and the need for prayer."

The Coalition mentioned how the inclusion of pro-life Sarah Palin in this election has mobilized the base of both political parties and brought all Culture of Life issues to the forefront:

"Globally, we have allowed the killing of the innocents and are now in danger of having a president who supports infanticide.  In the Old Testament, the ultimate sin that brought about judgment upon nations was the sin of child sacrifice."

The Coalition is now in its 16th year and believes the current economic crisis in America will bring many back to prayer leading to hope and healing.

The goals of the week are: the conversion of nations, world peace and the building of a culture of life.  This year's theme is Hope and Healing.  The Coalition is asking for people to participate in the following ways: attend the events in Washington, DC if possible; fast, attend daily Mass, and offer prayers, including but not limited to Holy Hours, Rosaries, Divine Mercy Chaplets and Confession.

The week culminates with three special events held in Washington D.C.:

- Saturday, October 11: Healing, Hope and Prayer Conference at the John Paul II
Cultural Center, 9am to 6pm.  Speakers include Fr. Jose Maniyangat, Fr. Dan Leary and
Richard Bingold. 

- Sunday, October 12:  Healing and Hope Banquet at the Georgetown University
Conference Center, 5:30pm.  Reception and silent/live auction with renowned speaker
Sister Briege McKenna, author of "Miracles Do Happen," Immaculee Ilibagiza, and Raymond Arroyo, EWTN News Director and author as Master of Ceremonies. 

- Monday, October 13: Eucharistic Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 9am to 5pm.  Speakers include Bishop Martin Holley, Sister
Briege McKenna, Fr. Frank Pavone, Congressman Chris Smith, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Fr.
Clement Machado and Dan Lynch.

For more information visit: http://www.iwopf.org/

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