13.05.2021
Faith Leaders Unite in Prayerful Solidarity in a Wounded World
As Covid–19 infections continue to cause immense suffering in India and other parts of the globe, Archbishop Michael Jackson joined faith leaders in Dublin as they united in prayer for a wounded world yesterday (Wednesday May 12).
Organised by Dublin City Interfaith Forum and the TU Dublin Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Service, the interfaith prayer gathering took place in St Laurence’s Chapel on the university’s Grangegorman Campus. The university welcomes people from many countries and the faith leaders offered prayerful solidarity with those who have come to Ireland and now look on as their families and friends at home suffer.
TU Dublin Chaplain, Andrew Sommerville, introduced the service saying: “Today we pray for our world and particularly for those countries facing increased hardships and challenges. We also pray that the global community will respond in a heartfelt way to the needs of all.”
Members of the Bahá’í, Zen Buddhism, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Sikh communities took part in the service while members of the Muslim community were represented but not present as it was Day 30 of Ramadan.
Patrick Dawson drew on writings of the Bahá’í faith when he spoke of the need for unity in the face of Covid–19 and other epidemics which threaten the world and its people. While the Revd Myozan Kodo of the Zen Buddhist community read a traditional reflection and Buddhist blessing.
Archbishop Jackson expressed solidarity with international students studying in Ireland who are separated from loved ones in countries experiencing further devastating waves of infection. “We want you to know, here and now, whatever your culture, whatever your faith may be, that we stand with you in the solidarity of a shared humanity. You have our concern. You have our care. Irish people are known to be welcoming. Please take us up on this. We are ready to listen, in this university and in other universities, and to do whatever we can,” he said.
Representing Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Sr Susan Jones reflected on the idea of ‘sharing’ and what it might mean to people at this time of global pandemic. “We in Ireland have been gifted with access to resources to stay safe. These resources are not ours to hoard. We are stewards of what has been created with God’s gifts… They are are for the growth, dignity and life of all people,” she stated.
Fr Anish John of the Indian Orthodox Church spoke of the deep pain being experienced in India at the moment. He said he awoke daily to messages about people who have died or who are battling for their lives. He said that during Covid people had learned to be more human. “These days we are not segregated by religion or creed or caste or colour. We are all human. We all have to come together to pray and work. In this pandemic there is no difference in the lives lost – we are all human beings,” he commented.
Hilary Abrahamson of the Jewish community reflected on the need for healing in the world. She said we all share the one world and people must use resources wisely for the good of all the world.
Representing the Hindu community, Swami Purnananda Puri, observed that the reality of the upserge of the Covid–19 virus in India hit home as daily he heard reports of those who had lost their lives. “It is not that we are afraid of death … it is the suffering around it. Our thoughts go out to those who are suffering, those who lack oxygen and those who have nowhere to cremate their dead, for those who struggle everywhere,” he said.
Dr Jasbir Singh Puri of the Sikh community said we are all children of the same Lord with the same light infused in us. He said that humans were destroying the earth. “Everyone is equal. This pandemic has happened and we have to look after people in every country. We have to live in harmony,” he said adding that in India people were working together to fight the pandemic.