Rome, May 14, 2020: A vast chorus of diverse voices across the world on May 14 joined the global Day of Prayer for Humanity against the coronavirus epidemic.
Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and other religions participated in the unique prayer program as more than 4.3 million people across the globe have now been infected with Covid-19 since an outbreak was first reported in China’s Hubei province at the end of 2019.
More than 296,600 people have officially died from the infection, and experts have issued dramatic forecasts regarding the aftermath of the pandemic that has devastated economies and left millions without a job.
The participants of the prayer united – in the words of Pope Francis – “as brothers and sisters, to ask the Lord to save humanity from the pandemic, to enlighten scientists and to heal the sick.”
The call for the prayer came from the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity which was established in 2019 during Pope Francis’ visit to the United Arab Emirates. The head of the Catholic Church expressed his support for it during his Regina Coeli Address on May 3, pointing out the universality of prayer.
“Remember”, he said, “on May 14, all believers together, believers of different traditions, pray, fast, and perform works of charity” imploring the Lord to save humanity from the pandemic.
The Committee meanwhile has launched the hashtag #prayForHumanity to help people feel united and religious leaders across the faith spectrum have organized events and reached out on social media.
Individuals and communities did their thing in many ways and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, that actively promoted the event, has drawn up a list of official participants.
Among them are the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Center for Interreligious Dialogue in Iran, the Islam Adyan Foundation, the World Jewish Congress, the Institute of Jainology, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the World Council of Churches, as well as Buddhist representatives, and Hindu spiritual leaders.
The long list also featured a host of lay organizations such the Association of African Universities and the UN Alliance of Civilizations as well royalty, heads of international organizations, prime ministers and presidents spanning the five continents.
Source: The Vatican News
Jesus Christ said. “ Ask and it shall be given to you.; For everyone who asks ,receives”
He also said. “ Where two or three gather in my name,there am I with them”
However it is seen from some comments that prayer makes people lazy and pray for food and fish throughout life ,without doing anything. Another comment says suffering people do need need prayer but some help.
When Christians do not believe “ that there is nothing impossible for God,”, prayer is sheer waste of time. If those who pray advocate only prayer without doing the biblical command “ till the land …” then , they are blind and are escapists.
What better response can we expect from the head of the Catholic Church, except prayer?
Pray for all those who died due to corona virus. May their souls rest in peace!
Pray for all those who are undergoing treatment for the corona virus. May they recover fast!
Pray for those who have lost their kith and kin. May they be consoled!
Pray for those who have lost their jobs. May they find new jobs!
Pray for the medical fraternity. May they find new energy to serve the patients!
Pray for the scientists. May they find a suitable vaccine soon!
Pray for the world leaders. May they govern their countries effectively!
Pray for the clergy. May they continue to “offer the Eucharist” without people!
Let us respect the people’s “faith in prayer”!
A lovely initiative from Pope Francis, but no announcement of it by the CBCI in India, not in my diocese.