Join in the International Week of Prayer and Fasting September 20-28



With the current state of affairs with Christians abroad (ISIS brutally executing numerous Christians, including the most recent beheading of American journalist Steven Sotloff, and now is targeting Pope Francis), many Christians are left wondering, “What can we do to help our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their beliefs?” This event has a very real call to action which we all can join in on. The International Prayer and Fasting Coalition is urging people of all faiths to a worldwide prayer and fasting campaign for peace from September 20-28, 2014.

The week formally begins on September 20 with an All Day Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Guest speakers for the kick-off event include Dr. Scott Hahn, popular speaker and teacher on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith; Johnnette Benkovic, founder and president of Women of Grace and Living His Life Abundantly; and Fr. Dermot Roache, SMA, missionary in the Society of African Missions and author of the prayer Consecration of the Family to the Divine Mercy. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the head of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, will be the main celebrant and homilist at the noon Mass.

Citizens around the globe are also urged to participate as individuals, families and parishes by attending daily Masses, services and holy hours, going to confession, praying intentional prayers such as the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and fasting.  The goals of the ³week² (nine days) are to pray and fast for the conversion of all nations, to build a culture of life and to promote peace in the world.

For more information or to participate in the free event at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, please visit www.iwopf.org. 

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