Prayer for Peace

1 JANUARY 2016 | GENERAL INTEREST

The desire for peace is at the heart of a Franciscan life. St Francis challenged his followers to have in their own hearts the peace they spoke about with their lips. Francis gave witness to this desire in his own life when he made the long and perilous journey to visit the Sultan of the Muslim army during the Crusade. Francis sat down in peace with the Sultan Malek al Kamel in Damietta on the northern coast of Egypt. It is written that the Sultan, who was himself desirous of finding a path to peace, allowed Francis free access to his compound and to his people. The visit reminds us today that each person, each animal and plant is brother and sister worthy of respect. As they prayed for peace the sisters were aware that we must live peacefully ourselves wherever we live and work. After the time of prayer the Sisters celebrated the New Year with a simple lunch together.