Janet LaPlante focuses on life experiences and how they enable us to grow in our spirituality. Opinions expressed are the writer’s and not necessarily the views of The Catholic Sun or the Diocese of Phoenix.
Janet LaPlante focuses on life experiences and how they enable us to grow in our spirituality. Opinions expressed are the writer’s and not necessarily the views of The Catholic Sun or the Diocese of Phoenix.

St. Paul Parish has joined other parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix in answering Pope Francis call to pray and fast for peace.

Pope Francis said: “Brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on the 7th of September, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative.”

Following the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass, St. Paul’s Chapel will be open and available for prayer until 10 p.m.  There will be a special prayer environment set up in the Chapel during this time which focuses on non-violence and the Culture of Life. Please commit to spending some time in prayer this Saturday and encourage others to respond to this urgent need.

Editor’s Note: In response to Pope Francis’ invitation, a local vigil will also be held at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. Phoenix, on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., corresponding with Pope Francis’ vigil in Rome. The vigil will include Adoration, Benediction, the Rosary, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. All are welcome.