Catholic Clergy call for Evening of Prayer for Peace

August 23, 2006

Southeast Texans will have a chance next week to participate in an evening of prayer and discussion on peace, in response to the violence in the Mideast. Following Pope Benedict XVI's call to pray for peace, an Evening of Prayer has been set for 7 p.m. on August 31, 2006, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, located at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Wall Street, in Beaumont. Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, will be presider.

The evening will not be a Mass, but will include scripture and reflections on the Catholic Church's social teachings on justice and peace, said Father Tom Phelan, chair of the presbyteral council. The presbyteral, or priests, council is leading the event.

"The priests felt a need to draw attention to the difficult and trying times in the life of the nation and the world," Father Phelan said. "Our response is coming together in prayer and support for one another in the efforts of peace."

Instead of a homily, Father Phelan and Father Sinclair Oubre, member of the presbyteral council, will present comments from statements on peace from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican.

"We will examine and reflect upon church traditions that call us to be people of peace," Father Phelan said. "It is a chance to come together with like-minded individuals to share information."

Following the Evening of Prayer, participants will be invited to the Cathedral Center to visit and make contacts with others who are interested in peace and justice, he said. Resources and reference material will be available. Both the prayer service and the gathering are open to the public.

The presbyteral council is made up of priests from throughout Southeast Texas.