Archbishops invite people across Northern Ireland to pray the Prayer of St Francis
Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Eamon Martin have recorded the prayer together, inviting people to pray for peace and to consider how we can be good neighbours to one another.
Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Eamon Martin are inviting people across Northern Ireland to pray the Prayer of St Francis this weekend. In a newly recorded video, the two archbishops narrate the prayer together.
Their invitation comes as the community faces the crisis at Drumcree. In a joint statement, the archbishops recognise that sincere views, painful histories and important issues are at stake. They ask a question that reaches beyond the immediate situation: How can we be good neighbours to each other?
They call on everyone to build patiently on the efforts already made to foster mutual trust and understanding between different traditions. They also affirm the importance of respecting the rule of law and using peaceful, democratic processes, while asking Christians to consider what is generous and neighbourly, and what helps build peace and the common good.
In their interview with The Irish Times, the archbishops spoke about the hurt left by past violence and the fragility of the present situation. They cautioned against language that inflames division and urged people to make space for a peaceful way forward.
The archbishops call for an urgent, constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to help find a way through the crisis. They acknowledge their own failings and say they feel deeply the concerns of people in Drumcree and the wider community. They remain willing to help guide people towards peace and a better future for all.
The Prayer of St Francis asks for the grace to bring love where there is hatred, pardon where there is offence, and hope where there is despair. It offers a way to pray, and a challenge to live: to let love of God and neighbour shape our words and actions.
Watch the video AT THIS LINK and join Archbishop McDowell and Archbishop Martin in praying for peace, healing and reconciliation.