Christian/Muslim Women pray for peace at Marian Shrine
The second joint Christian/Muslim women's event to pray for peace took place at the ancient chapel to Mary in Jesmond, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Saturday, May 7th 2011.
Forty-eight women and two children offered heart-felt prayers for the protection of those in danger from conflicts of all kinds. They came to honour Mary with prayers and readings from the two faiths. Catholic women attended from Blyth, Peterlee, Washington, Stockton, South Shields and elsewhere with Muslim women, some of whom were personal friends. Two Buddhist women and their children came from Stockton.
The event has a developing ecumenical dimension. The Revd Rowena Francis, Northern Synod Moderator, United Reformed Church, Newcastle joined members of St George's,Osborne Road and the Revd Allison Fenton from Christchurch, Shieldfield, who came last year.
There were readings by Fazia Shafee, Hengameh Ashraf Emami and Christine Wickens. Mia Fox explained the rosary and Hengameh explained the Tasbe (beads). Two candles were lit and exchanged between Hazel Jones-Lee who said: “Peace be with you” and Hengameh who said “salamu Alaikum.” All women then shook hands, embraced and kissed “very sincerely”, as one said later.
The event followed the guidelines of the RC Bishops of England and Wales in the document: “Meeting God in Friend and Stranger.”: `We don't come to pray together, but we come together to pray. 'Ha'lal refreshments were then offered by the Commission at Holy Name Church Hall. One woman commented: “That this could happen is amazing”.
Other comments:
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“I loved it. I felt Mary was there. No-one was distracted. Everyone was recollected.”Margaret Rasburn, Holy Name
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“Mary will bring us together.” A Muslim.
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“I came because of events in Pakistan.” Maria Byrne, Washington.
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“What a feeling of unity.” Shiela Manley, Holy Name
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“Just want to thank you for this afternoon`s event in Jesmond which Rasheda and I enjoyed and found very moving.” Margaret Memling.
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“The spiritual bond was great and I will never forget that warm environment.” A Muslim
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