WASHINGTON, D.C., September 15, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A coalition of Catholic and Christian organizations worldwide is coordinating the 13th Annual International Week of Prayer and Fasting to promote a “Culture of Life,” in the words of the late Pope John Paul II. The organization began the campaign to promote life and family in the public sphere with a week of prayer and fasting and related events sponsored by churches and groups around the world.
Sponsored by a coalition of lay Catholic organizations, the annual Week of Prayer and Fasting urges people around the globe to pray and fast for 9 days from October 2-10, in “a united effort to end abortion and bring people and nations back to God.” According to the group’s media release, more than 60 countries have participated in the past, including Australia, Great Britain, the Philippines, Singapore, France, Ireland and Canada.
This year, in addition to prayer to counter abortion and euthanasia, the organization includes prayer intentions for the crucial confirmation hearings for two new US Supreme Court Justices, victims of Hurricane Katrina, the threat of global terrorism and major conflicts in the Middle East in its prayer intentions.
Maureen Flynn, the organization’s spokesman, says, “The threat of human cloning, assisted suicide, euthanasia, pornography, a pervasive drug culture, sexual slavery and anti-family agendas are among today’s accepted practices that are dehumanizing and degrading the dignity and integrity of life.”
An Oct. 8 prayer rally at Catholic University will feature several prominent speakers including Christopher West, Fr. Francis Mary Stone of EWTN, Sen. Rick Santorum and Dr. Alan Keyes. An Oct. 10 prayer vigil will feature Rev. Frank Pavone, the National Director of Priests for Life, Congressman Chris Smith – House Chairman for Pro-life causes, Dr . Theresa Burke – Rachel’s Vineyard-founder, Christopher West – Author, Speaker on Theology of the Body, Rev. Stephen Valenta – Speaker, Retreat Master for Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s Order) and Author and Bud Macfarlane Sr.
Contact:
Maureen Flynn,
Phone : (703) 327 – 2277.
Email: [email protected]
See the Washington Catholic Prayer and Fasting website
https://www.internationalweekofprayerandfasting.org/pray_fast.asp
HW