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A Moment for Prayer, Peace and Harmony Reflected at Pallottine Renewal Center
Story and photo by Erica R. Van Buren
Although the day ended with gunfire and stores being looted, the anniversary of Michael Brown’s death was also observed through peaceful events across the area, including Florissant. Some organizations offered free school supplies and some groups joined in peaceful marches.
At 3 p.m. Sunday, Marillyn Webb, executive director of the Pallottine Renewal Center, 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road, welcomed guests to a service focused on praying for peace and harmony in North County.
Rance Thomas, president of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice, was among the leaders of the United Prayer for Peace service. In speaking beforehand, he said, “Because of the issues brought to light in the Ferguson community and in our nation by the Michael Brown incident, it is very important for the community to come together in prayer for peace, justice and unity for all on the anniversary of this tragic event.””
Also participating were Rev. John Gregory, pastor of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Florissant, Sr. Cathy Doherty, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Ferguson, and Father Michael Henning, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Bissell Hills.
The keynote speaker, Sr. Antona Ebo, is a Franciscan Sister of Mary (FSM), social activist and vocal civil rights advocate. Fifty years ago she marched at the Bloody Sunday event in Selma, Alabama. Today in her 90s, she still shares her story and her perspectives with audiences across the nation. Her efforts promoting civil rights have been widely recognized and serve as an inspiration to many.
Her message was “What are you doing to bring peace into the world? It’s time to do something. How will I show love to my brother and sister? We are here today to think about peace.”
Sr. Cathy Doherty, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, prayed that “God stand with us and lead all of us as American citizens of equal rights with no exceptions.”
Everyone in the sanctuary was asked to join hands and recite another prayer “ to teach us how to live together as brothers and sisters, in dignity, justice, charity and peace.”
The service concluded with the song “Do Something” by Matthew West. Guests were left with the words: If not us, then who, If not me and you? Right now it’s time for us to do something. If not now, then when? Will we see an end? To all this pain, it’s not enough to do nothing; it’s time for us to do something.
