Published: January 16, 2008
Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jew-Christian Religious Leaders Bless Catholic Students
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, faith leaders from different religions and denominations got together to pray and bless the students of prestigious Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in south Reno (Nevada).
It was wonderful to see Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish religious leaders of the region joining together in a common prayer in a Catholic school, "We commit ourselves to persevere in constant prayer for unity within the human race, and through concrete gestures of reconciliation and dialogue to seek to bring forth peace in our world."
Joining together in a common prayer with candles in hand are (from left to right): William Bartlett, Carl Wilfrid, Jackie Leonard, Myra Soifer, Rajan Zed, Jeff Olsen, Charles Durante, Mark, Robert Petrovich, and Abdul Barghouthi.(Photo by M.L. Bates)
|
There was Hebrew recitation by Rabbi Myra Soifer of Temple Sinai-Reform, Sanskrit slokas from Rig-Veda dated around 1,500 BCE by prominent Hindu chaplain Rajan Zed, Buddhist text reading by Reverend William Bartlett; while Reverend Laurie Chappelle of St. Catherine of Siena Episcopal Church read Thessalonians and Imam Abdul Barghouthi gave a reflection address quoting Quran,
Organizer Father Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community of Carson City, began the Service by invoking the Spirit and said, "We start our prayer by recognizing that we are in God's presence."
Imam Barghouthi of Northern Nevada Muslim Community, stated, "May God continue today the work of reconciliation begun by many great leaders of faith", while Reverend Jackie L. Leonard of St. John's Presbyterian Church, said, "Let us pray that God may be present in our prayers and lead us closer to one another."
Reverend Robert Petrovich of International Community of Christ prayed to "break down the walls between us", while Chaplain Rajan Zed said, " Whatever divides us might be overcome through wisdom, love and truth." Brother Jeff Olsen of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prayed that "God of all Light may hear and respond to our constant prayers", while Father Mark said, "Let us seal our unity in prayer, in love and in the hope of one human race."
Senior Pastor Carl F. Wilfrid of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd prayed, "That the poor, the broken hearted, the sick, those rejected and alone, may know the comfort of God's love," while Reverend John J. Auer, Pastor of Reno First United Methodist Church, said, "We pray for the forgiveness of all people of faith, that we may remove any barriers of prejudice or intolerance so that the world's religions may recognize the similarities and beliefs we share."
Leaders of various faiths gathered on the occasion also lighted the candles brought from their respective places of worship, symbolizing the light of the dawning of a new day for the world, a world called to renounce the shadows of sin, division and hatred. Students of Manogue High, who filled up the gymnasium where the service was held, joined the clergy in singing "The Little Light of Mine".
This was the tenth anniversary celebration of Annual Interfaith Prayer Service of Bishop Manogue Catholic High School. According to Father Durante, besides blessing the students, this Service creates an opportunity for growth and awareness of the differences and similarities we all have and is built on the theme of unity and respect for all peoples.
Hindu chaplain Zed welcomed the spirit of Manogue High to reach to all the major religions for a joint service which facilitates deeper, broader and more inclusive understanding of religion and helps us overcome prejudices and stereotypes.
Bishop Manogue Catholic School, which prides in its faith based learning environment, is one of the most prestigious educational institution of northwestern Nevada whose SAT and ACT scores are much higher than national average. Here students are required to perform 20-30 service hours within the community each year with elderly, sick/disabled, and socio-economically disadvantaged people.
Search News
