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Day to day happenings at the Prayer Vigil
March 11, 2009
Despite the blustery weather people showed up to keep vigil and prayer in the morning.
Later the Kingston Vigil Keepers arrived by bus to join the ISARC Multifaith Prayer Vigil. The Kingston group has been standing for social justice for 13 years - on Fridays they are a lunchtime feature at Kingston City Hall. In the biting winter wind, one of their signs showed a palm tree, a bright sun and a beach, "Poverty never takes a holiday." Today they brought their weekly vigil to Queen's Park.
At noon, an opening prayer was offered by Helene Hannah, readings were done by Michael Stephenson, Bert Horwood and Una Byrne, S.P., and Sandra Shannon, S.P. led us in song. Selected inter-faith wise saying were red by Tara Kainer, Lynda Dowdle, and Matthew Gventer. A reflection was offered by Sr. Pauline Lally, General Superior, Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.
Sr. Pauline Lally shared that one of the greatest learnings for her is that poverty is political, not necessarily the result of individual moral failure or poor life choices entirely. "Poverty is also the result of governments and corporations that idolize the market and put profits before not only people but indeed before all creation. And poverty is a nightmare! So we have to be political! Be attentive and know what's going on. Be intelligent and make connections. Be a critical thinker and ask why. Be responsible and get involved. Learn to be a voice for the voiceless."
She reminded us of what Mahatma Gandhi said, "No matter what you do will seem insignificant; but you must do it and be the change you wish to see in the world." She challenged us that it all begins with awareness and religious social teaching has long been animated by religious values that transcend charity and individual giving.
"Biblical justice means ensuring human dignity, fairness, solidarity, equity, participation and respect for human rights and the need to assume our responsibilities".
Jean Gower ended in closing payers and together everyone recited:
We long for a world that respects all of humanity and all the earth, and so we stand in silent, non-violent solidarity with those affected by government and corporations, that put profits before human kind and indeed before all Creation.
Together in this vigil we bring before us injustices affecting our world.
In gentle awareness we present these concerns to the Divine Light which permeates the universe.
Thus we stand in hope.
Let us leave this place of prayers sharing with one another a gesture of hope and solidarity. Let us go in peace.
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