God of hope and compassion,
Holy One of Abraham and Sarah,
who called our ancestors in faith to journey to a new future
Be with us as we pray.
We remember today the country of Iraq from which they were summoned,
ancient land of the Middle East, realm of two rivers
birthplace of great cities and civilization. May we who name ourselves children of Abraham and Sarah
call to mind our sisters and brothers in the East
and with them look to a new future.
God of reconciliation, God of painful sacrifice uniting humankind
we long for the day when you will provide for all nations on earth
your blessing of peace. But now with strife and war at hand
help us to see in each other a family likeness
a common inheritance as children of God. Keep hatred from the threshold of our hearts,
and preserve within us a generous spirit
which recognizes all peoples as children of God. This we ask in the name of the One who came to offer us
the costly gift of abundant life.
AMEN. --Tecie Lardner, OP |
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Louisville, Ky (March 18, 2008) - Despite a downpour that made it hard to see out the front windshield of a car, more than 50 people made their way through the rain to the Motherhouse Chapel on March 18 for a special gathering. Each brought their prayers and hopes for peace on the eve of the fifth anniversary of war in Iraq.
“Your hearts, like ours, desire peace,” said Ginny Schaffer, Director of the Angela Merici Center. She opened the “Prayers for Peace” event just a few minutes after 7 p.m., allowing everyone a few moments to dry off and find an open seat.
Coincidentally, the anniversary of the war fell during Holy Week, “It seems apropos that we gather on this night to pray for peace,” said Schaffer, who stressed it was not only about those surrounded by violence in Iraq, but in Afghanistan and other regions as well. “Our prayers for peace must include those around the world…held captive in many ways.”
The ceremony began with ten minutes of silence and reflection. Then, attendees were invited to speak out about other concerns at home and elsewhere. Among the issues mentioned: violence in Darfur, women held in slavery and by abuse, those oppressed for their religion, those suffering from disease, children living in poverty and violence here at home, on the streets of Louisville.
The event closed with a sign of peace. Each person was asked to reach out to those next to them and express love and hopes of a world without violence. A symbol of what Schaffer mentioned early in the ceremony when quoting Muhatma Ghandi, “We must become the change that we desire to see in the world.” |
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- Nearly 4,000 US dead...and more than 30,000 wounded.
- Between 100,000 & 1,000,000 Iraqis dead ...and 4,000,000 displaced.
- More than $1,000,000,000,000 spent.
*all numbers are at the writing of this story 3/18/08 |
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Outside the Walls
In the spirit of Jesus and St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursuline Sisters, the facilitators and presenters of the Angela Merici Center for Spirituality will not be confined by physcial walls. They are happy to bring their years of experience, wisdom and compassion to your church, faith community, school faculty and staff, organization, or group.
Previous offerings have included, but are not limited to:
- Parish and staff days of reflection, workshops and retreats
- Facilitation of groups utilizing contemplative dialogue skills
- Assisting others to envision and discern the future of their group, church, faith community or organization.
- Workshops on personal development and self-care.
- Various topics related to spirituality: living contemplatively, prayer, scripture, Lectio Divina.
The presenters and facilitators of the Angela Merici Center are also happy to meet with you and plan an experience to meet the specific needs of your group or community. |
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Spiritual Direction
An opportunity to talk with a trained director who will help you to reflect on your life experiences, questions, and prayer in a way that can help you come to a deeper sense of God's presence in your life and the invitations God may be extending.
Suggested donation: $40 per session
Spiritual directors: Numerous spiritual directors are available through the AMC. |
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Group Experiences
The staff is available to facilitate both on or off site days of reflection, evenings of reflection and workshops. Presentations may include topics such as: living contemplatively, spirituality, prayer, visioning for the future, discernment, nourishing one's spiritual live, Centering Prayer, and praying with Scriptures. | |
