Sin calls for prayer rally for peace

Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin is summoning the Filipino faithful to join a prayer rally for peace at 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine).

"As the world is on the brink of war, we all want peace... we want peace in Iraq. We want peace in Mindanao. We want peace in our hearts. And we believe in the power of prayer and unity," Sin said.

In a letter, Sin invited all the religious, including Catholic schools, colleges and universities, organizations and movements to join the Eucharistic celebration and the praying of the Holy Rosary after the Mass.

Apostolic Nuncio Antonio Franco will be the main celebrant of the outdoor Mass while Sin will lead the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

Sin announced that the International Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima is arriving this week and will join the prayer rally at the EDSA Shrine.

Recently, Pope John Paul II also urged the faithful to pray for peace and "to turn to the Lord to implore the great gift of peace, for only an intervention from on high can give reason to hope for a brighter future."

On Feb. 25, another outdoor Mass will be held at the EDSA Shrine to commemorate the national celebration of the 17th anniversary of the EDSA people power I revolt.

Sin will officiate the outdoor Mass with President Arroyo and former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos in attendance.

A vigil Mass for the Feast of Our Lady at EDSA and an inter-faith prayer for world peace will be also be held on the eve of the celebration on Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by a Rosary procession at 6:30 p.m., and a "barrio fiesta" along the Ortigas sidewalk at 8 p.m.