Monday, September 17, 2012

Bishop in Britain calls for public prayers on Fridays

A senior Catholic Bishop in Britain is urging Catholics to hold prayer services on the first Friday of every month as a public expression of faith.

The Bishop of Arundel and Brighton Dr Kieran Conry has called on Catholics to stop and pray publicly at 3:00pm on the first Friday of every month. 

Bishop Conry has asked Catholic to set the alarms on their mobile phones to remind them of the new observance as part of a move to promote faith in the workplace ahead of the Church's, Year of faith.

Bishop Conry, who is chair of the Church in England and Wale's evangelisation committee, said the plan draws on traditions of saying special Friday prayers dating back to the 17th century. 

“I would like to invite every Catholic, especially during the Year of Faith, to pause for a moment of prayer of praise and thanksgiving at 3:00pm if possible, or perhaps when you break for lunch, on the first Friday of every month.” 

He added, “Whatever you are doing, as your responsibilities allow, stop, perhaps close your eyes, bow your head and prayerfully and silently meditate on the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross out of love for you and everyone.”

“The exact words used are not so important as just pausing to be with Jesus in that moment.  In this way you are not only deepening your relationship with him, but quietly and confidently witnessing to your faith to those around you.”