VATICAN CITY, Italy.
Over a hundred thousand people participated in the day of fasting and prayer called by Pope Francisco on September 7 at St. Peter’s Square to pray for peace in Syria. Dioceses and parishes throughout the world, religious leaders, people of good will joined this appeal, which could also be followed through the Vatican Television Center, several TV stations, and online. It was a world chain for peace.
Yes, peace is possible! was the cry that resounded at St. Peter’s Square during the Vigil for Peace held on Saturday, September 7, attended by over a hundred thousand people of different Christian denominations, non-Christian religions, and even non-believers from all over the world.
Starting at 5:30 PM and during the Vigil, over eighty priests heard confessions. They were scattered throughout the colonnade and in the same square.
The square was filled with people of all ages, but the silence was such that it would seem empty. Each one, on entering the square joined the prayer, the singing, the prayer for the gift of peace, in their own language. The whole world joined this peace vigil.
While final preparations for the prayer were made, the words of Pope Francisco pronounced at the Angelus on September 1 to make a strong appeal for peace and non- violence were read.
The vigil began with the arrival of the Pope to the Plaza and the subsequent enthronement of the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani. The first prayer was the glorious mysteries of the Rosary. Each mystery was introduced with the corresponding Gospel text, followed by a short prayer of St. Therese of the Child Jesus to the Virgin. The prayer was accompanied by various musical pieces with violins, cello and harp. At each mystery they prayed to "the Lady of Peace" so that "this gift that belongs to all may reach all peoples and all hearts. No more wars! Let Peace resound! Yes to a culture of dialogue, reconciliation, and forgiveness."
At the end of the recitation of the Rosary, the Holy Father led a beautiful reflection on the desire for harmony and peace of all human beings. "All of creation forms a harmonious and good unity, but above all humanity, made in the image and likeness of God, is one family, in which relationships are marked by a true fraternity not only in words: the other person is a brother or sister to love, and our relationship with God, who is love, fidelity and goodness, mirrors every human relationship and brings harmony to the whole of creation. God’s world is a world where everyone feels responsible for the other, for the good of the other, " he said.
In another passage, his message was the following: “When man thinks only of himself, of his own interests and places himself in the center, when he permits himself to be captivated by the idols of dominion and power, when he puts himself in God’s place, then all relationships are broken and everything is ruined; then the door opens to violence, indifference, and conflict.”
The Pope's words were interrupted at various times by applause. He added: “I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions, and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully: violence and war are never the way to peace! Let everyone be moved to look into the depths of his or her conscience and listen to that word which says: Leave behind the self-interest that hardens your heart, overcome the indifference that makes your heart insensitive towards others, conquer your deadly reasoning, and open yourself to dialogue and reconciliation. Look upon your brother’s sorrow – I think of the children: look upon these… look at the sorrow of your brother, stay your hand and do not add to it, rebuild the harmony that has been shattered; and all this achieved not by conflict but by encounter!”
This was followed by a long adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist. It was a special moment. Many participants knelt and remained so throughout the worship, some remained standing, some followed the prayer sitting, but all prayed and wished peace, peace in Syria and all over the world.
The silence in the square was overwhelming; it spoke for itself. The silence and personal prayer accompanied the biblical texts and prayers of recent popes on peace. Representatives from Syria, Egypt, the Holy Land, Russia and the United States made an offering of incense at five times moments as if asking that the fire and the aroma may "rise up " to the Almighty together with the cry for peace.
The vigil continued with the "Office of Readings" and concluded with the singing of the Te Deum, a hymn of trust in the God who wants peace and who hates war and violence. The Pope gave the Eucharistic Benediction. At the end, he thanked everyone for their participation in the prayer and dismissed the crowd that applauded for the experience and asked to continue praying for peace.
Four hours of deep, harmonious and clamorous prayer for peace ended. The crowd was leaving without interrupting the attitude of recollection. Some shared their impressions. Among them, a group of young people said to one another: "Did you notice the face of the Pope? It was a face that reflected that he is not afraid of war but that he trusts in peace."
This climate of trust was breathed in St. Peter 's Square. "We are not afraid of war. We trust that peace is possible. "
Several groups of the Teresian Association in Rome participated in the vigil. Others did so in their parishes, dioceses, or centers of the Teresian Association
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From Rome, Pilar Reinoso.