Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at a gathering of area religious leaders that is being hosted by Saint Denis Roman Catholic Church in Havertown, Delaware County, in collaboration with the Haverford Township Clergy Association. There will be Jewish and Muslim religious leaders in attendance as well as representatives from other Christian denominations. This interreligious prayer service will take place on January 24, 2002, the day that leaders of various world religions will assemble in Assisi, Italy to pray for world peace.

Pope John Paul II invited the religious leaders to Assisi to pray for peace at a time when the international community faces so many challenges. The Holy Father has asked all local Catholic dioceses to hold similar interreligious observances for peace. The local service will take place on

Thursday, January 24, 2002
7:30 p.m.
Saint Denis Roman Catholic Church
Eagle Road and Saint Denis Lane
Havertown, Delaware County

Pope John Paul II has invited the world's religious leaders to pray together to show that religion must never become a motive for conflict, hatred and violence. The Holy Father had also asked all Catholics to fast on Friday, December 14, 2001, in solidarity with those "suffering the consequences of terrorism and war."

The prayer service at Saint Denis Parish will consist of readings, hymns, intercessions and prayers. The approximately one hour service will include the reading of a Commitment to Peace. Cardinal Bevilacqua and other religious leaders will offer a blessing at the conclusion.

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Donna Farrell
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215-587-3747