Friday, November 25, 2016

"One Nation, Under God, Indivisible"

                          African Cardinal speaking at the Sant'Egidio prayer service at Santa Maria in Trastevere. 

Prayer has always been an integral part of Sant'Egidio's missionary service. Their organization is strongly founded on Catholic principles and they recognize that they are only able to help other people because God wills it and provides the means. For example, the Thursday homeless food runs begin and end at Saint Bartholomew's church, as they prepare food in an upstairs kitchen and often read from the gospels after serving the poor. There is also a prayer service every Tuesday night at Saint Bartholomew's, every night at Santa Maria in Trastevere (a basilica in Piazza Sant'Egidio), and a prayer service for the poor every first Monday of the month.

In addition, the Sant'Egidio community holds a prayer service for peace in Santa Maria in Trastevere every third Monday of the month. The church is so full each week that there are no pews left and people have to stand around the side aisles. A cardinal is often invited give a reflection, so Sant'Egidio offers headphones that translate what he says for those who speak a different language. There are also books with hymns and prayers that are said during the prayer service.

A French-speaking cardinal from Africa gave the reflection last Monday. He addressed the perennial question "Why does God let bad things happen?" His answer was that it is actually each person that lets violence occur-- every time that one sins, that is. He proposed that the what each person can do to help end world violence is to focus on becoming a holy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and a support for the family and friends that God has placed in one's life. Not only are there direct benefits to these actions, but there is also the indirect benefit of creating a world in which one likes to live and fostering a community of love. One's concrete witness to the Christian way of living can change the world.

After this moving reflection, someone read off the names of countries that currently experiences violence. At the same time, youth from the community came onto the sanctuary one by one to present a lit candle  and the congregation sang the Kyrie for each country named. The ceremony ended with the recitation of the Our Father, a sign of peace, and a concluding hymn.

The prayer service itself is a way in which the cardinal's words were fulfilled. The frequent and renowned communal prayer services of Sant'Egidio are indispensable in uniting people under God with the intention of holding each other accountable to serve the Lord by opposing violence and indifference towards the poor and marginalized.

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