Inter-Religious Prayer Service for Peace Held at Caldwell University

An Inter-Religious Prayer Service for Peace was held at Caldwell University on Nov. 29 bringing together religious leaders and the community to pray for peace in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine and all worn-torn places around the world.

Faculty, staff, students, Sisters of St. Dominic and members of various religious communities gathered in the campus chapel to pray together and learn from one another.

Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P., Sister of Saint Dominic of Caldwell and Assistant to the President for Mission Integration at the University, organized the service with other religious leaders. “Our prayer is for the world”, said Sister pointing out that there are 32 wars in the world today and more conflicts. “Our prayer can change the world…your prayer can change world situations,” said Sister to those present.

Leaders of prayer, readings or song included: Sister Kathleen; Rabbi Sara Blumenthal, Assistant Rabbi, Congregation Agudath, Caldwell, N.J.; Imam Gazmend Aga, director of North East Islamic Community Center, Wayne, NJ and Chaplain at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT; Nesrin Tatli, Peace Islands Institute NJ board member and interfaith event coordinator; . Christina Bryant, Ph.D., director of campus ministry at Caldwell, and members of the University administration, faculty, staff and students. Representatives of the West Essex Ministerial Association were present too.

Tatli said it was “important to get to know each other” and that through efforts like the prayer service people can create “peace islands” with their neighbors, community and in the U.S.

Rabbi Blumenthal said it was very moving to come together “for prayer and praise during this time of heightened tension in the world,” and to feel the support of the community.

“Bringing different religious traditions and cultures together allows us to stand as a community in respecting the human dignity of each person,” said Sister Kathleen.