Prayer Vigil for Peace Continues Into Second Year
Feb 17, 2005
HAMBURG, N.Y. -- As Iraqis struggle to establish a democratic government amongst insurgent attacks against U.S., coalition and Iraqi security forces, the unrest has renewed commitment to an ongoing two-year prayer vigil at Hilbert College.
Remarkably, more than 400 hours have been dedicated since the college’s Prayer for World Peace began in February 2003, one month before the start of the Iraq war.
Its original intention was to pray for a peaceful resolution to the Iraq conflict. However, as Sister Jacqueline Benbenek, Hilbert’s campus minister who organized the group effort, explains, "the vigil has evolved. Although major combat has officially ended in Iraq, U.S. troops and Iraqi forces and civilians are still in danger from attacks and violence. Because of this, the vigil is now more all encompassing for the support and safe return of our troops and the safety of Iraqis, and for peace in the Middle East."
The overall theme of peace also translates to the individual. With this in mind, prayers are including those who are need of peace in their lives.
For the Franciscan pilgrims who’ve devoted hundreds of hours to the prayer vigil, it’s given the group a chance to "feel like they are doing something in a personal, quiet way that will help bring peace worldwide and to individuals who need it," notes Sister Jackie.
Hilbert Franciscan pilgrims have all participated in a 10-day pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, the birth place of St. Francis, and then to Rome. Participants represent Franciscan institutions from across the country, like Hilbert, to help clarify the vision and values that shape the philosophy of their respective institutions.
"The inner peace the pilgrims experienced in Assisi is helping to sustain their dedication to the vigil. I’m in admiration of their resolve to continue it," says Sister Jackie.
Barbara Bonanno, director of mission integration, has been involved with the vigil since its inception. She concurs that the vigil has been an intensely profound experience and, in many ways, instills a measure of hope to a turbulent period.
"I strongly believe in the power of prayer, particularly collective prayer," says Bonanno. "Our troops and Iraqis are facing a highly volatile situation. Certainly, there’s been a great deal of progress in Iraq but with continued conflict there and elsewhere in the world, our prayers for peace will continue."
At this point, just how long the prayer vigil will go on is unknown. The pilgrims are committed to it as long as the group believes it’s warranted.
"There’s so much need for prayer and prayers specifically for universal and individual peace," says Bonanno. "Attaining peace is in stark contrast to tremendous adversity we’re facing today but we believe our prayers will make a difference."