An exceptional prayer service at St. George鈥檚 Catholic Church was held on January 22 at 7:00 p.m. in commemoration of worldwide Christian unity. In accordance with the World Council of Churches, Christians were asked to pray for harmony amongst believers. The service in Assiniboia also had connections to the traditional week of prayer, which is usually observed between January 18-25 during the feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul. 聽聽
Before the service began, participants were given scarfs at the door to wear around their necks. Gail Delorme, one of the many organizers for this ecumenical occasion representing diversity and Christian unison, said the scarfs represented the Saviour鈥檚 moment at the Last Supper when he removed his outer garments. In essence, the scarfs characterized the responsibilities of the world. Also, the scarfs epitomized individual beliefs and characteristics, or as Delorme clarified 鈥淎nything that makes you set apart from other people.鈥� So, before the service began, Delorme asked all the participants seated in the pews to remove their scarfs. 鈥淟et us be a family with one father,鈥� Delorme affirmed. 鈥淲e welcome one Holy Spirit.鈥� 聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽
Various local church leaders representing singular doctrines of faith spoke at this event in furtherance of Christian unity in Assiniboia. After Marilyn Marcenko communicated for the Catholic church, Lori Anderson offered a few words on the behalf of the Assiniboia Apostolic Congregation. Pastor Nick Franks of the Assiniboia Alliance Church talked of the Lord鈥檚 steadfast love using Psalms 107 as his text. Thereafter, Reverend Doug Miner of the Messiah Lutheran Church read a meditative piece of scripture from Mark 16.
Father Dennis Remot talked about the appearance of Christ after the resurrection. Believers have pointed to Christ鈥檚 return to earth after the crucifixion as evidence of Jesus being the Messiah. Remot further discussed the disunity existing between Protestant congregations over doctrine. He also mentioned the divide between liberal-minded and conservative Catholics. However, Remot said this prayer service called all Christians to give furtherance to their faith by offering a 鈥淪incere and humble prayer. A common prayer around Christ 鈥� what unites not divides them.鈥�
After Remot spoke, eight readers placed paddles by a boat at the front of the assembly. The boat constructed by Eveline Bahuaud was built in remembrance of St. Paul, who was shipwrecked on Malta. St. Paul was welcomed by the islanders with unusual kindness. Also, the boat promoted the ideal of Christian unity, since a boat moves forward whenever everyone works together for a singular objective.聽 聽聽
