Media Release

Doha, Jan 17: Bishop Aldo Berardi, apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, Fr Xavier, and several priests from the various Christian communities in Doha gathered on January 9 in the Seraphic Hall for an ecumenical prayer service for peace in the Holy Land. The opening hymn, ‘Peace is Flowing Like a River,’ and the opening prayer set the tone for the service. The assembled were encouraged to turn to God in this time of suffering and danger to ask that his mercy and grace be made present in the Holy Land through the intervention of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace.

Jesus is the light of the world, a light that shines to show the way out of the darkness. Thus, candles were lit to symbolize the power God has to dispel the darkness and bring people into communion with him. A little girl, the picture of innocence dressed in white, lit her candle first as a reminder that peace is only achieved through humility and consideration of the other.

The bishop's message called for all Christians to combat war by setting Jesus’ example of love and peace for everyone they meet. Revenge is not the answer, and there is no true satisfaction that comes from taking ‘an eye for an eye.’ The prayers of the faithful called on God’s mercy and his capacity to touch men’s hearts of stone and convert them into hearts of flesh. We pray with faith because we believe that nothing is impossible for God. The service ended with the recitation of the our father and offering the sign of peace.