This image might seem simple, but behind it, are thousands of nuns gathered together with a profound message. You may wonder where they are and why you can’t see them. These nuns are spread across the six continents, but decided to come together for something special: to digitally pray for peace in the world.
The International Union of Superiors General, also known as UISG, is a worldwide network of religious sisters. Their headquarters in Rome hosted a “World Wide Prayer for Peace,” calling on religious sisters across six continents to sit in silence together for an hour.
Sister Roxanne Schares, the executive secretary of the UISG, immediately received messages of support and gratitude.
SISTER ROXANNE SCHARES
Executive Secretary, UISG
We've had some messages from different parts of the world saying, “Thank you for planning this. Thank you for making this opportunity.”
I had one message that was shared with me from a community in Lebanon, Southern Lebanon. They said that one of their schools is already closed, some sisters have left, but others are just waiting with the people.
This call to prayer follows the recent escalation of conflict and violence in the Middle East. Thousands of people have been injured or killed since the U.S.-Israeli strikes began on February 28.
SISTER ROXANNE SCHARES
Executive Secretary, UISG
So, we are on six continents, probably 95 to 100 countries easily, and many are on the margins working with people affected by injustice, violence, war.
This war is taking place, and we are very aware of that. And I think we just said we have to respond in some way, so that's what moved us to say, let's call for a moment of prayer
Several religious leaders have urged for an increase of prayers as a response, with Pope Leo XIV first making his appeal during his Angelus address.
POPE LEO XIV
May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.
For Sister Roxanne, the realities of war are not foreign, making the need for prayer all the more urgent. She worked in Africa in the late 1990s, a continent that has experienced the most wars over the past two decades than any other.
SISTER ROXANNE SCHARES
Executive Secretary, UISG
I worked about 10 years with refugees in Africa. And I could see what violence and war does to a person, to a family, to people's future, and so accompanying them, being with them, hearing their stories, finding the courage they had to keep moving and hoping that it keeps moving me and touches me very deeply.
Even amidst the tragedies of war, the sisters argue that silent prayer and contemplation uniquely aid the human spirit.
SISTER ROXANNE SCHARES
Executive Secretary, UISG
In the silence we can hear the cries of those who suffer. And I think it can touch us. I think also in the silence, we can hear what God is asking us to do and be.
As war continues, it is the countless quiet efforts, the unseen individuals, and the brave few who sustain the hope for peace.
CRT
