Detroit Archbishop to Host Prayer Service for Christians in the Middle East

Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron on Friday evening, Nov. 21, will host Eastern-rite Catholics for a prayer vigil at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, for the intentions of Christians in the Middle East. All are welcome to attend. The vigil is meant to entrust Christians in the Middle East to the protection of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Help of Christians and Queen of Peace. In prayerful response to escalating violence in the Middle East, this is the second time Archbishop Vigneron has opened up the Roman Catholic Cathedral for such a holy hour. Several hundred attended a similar service last year.

We all belong to Jesus Christ. It۪s his love that binds us all together, and so no part of us hurts that doesn۪t involve all of us,۝ Archbishop Vigneron said. This prayer is a way to invoke God۪s help from on high that our brothers and sisters need in order to persevere in the faith and have confidence in God۪s strength in their lives.۝

In addition to Latin rite Catholics, who make up the Archdiocese of Detroit, invitations for the prayer service were extended to the Chaldean, Melkite, Maronite, Armenian, and Syriac Catholic communities, which have roots in the Middle East. In addition to Archbishop Vigneron, Chaldean Bishop Francis Kalabat, Syriac Bishop Barnaba Yousif Benham Habash, and Maronite Bishop Elias Zaidan are expected to take part in the service, along with several Latin rite Catholic bishops.

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is at 9844 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Secured, lighted parking is available. The Cathedral office can be reached at (313) 865-6300.

Reporters are welcome to cover this event. If you are sending a photographer or camera crew, we ask that you not use flash, sun guns or any other form of artificial lighting. If you have questions about coverage, please contact the Archdiocese of Detroit Communications Department at (313) 237-5943. We thank you for heeding these directions and any instructions you may receive from Communications or Cathedral personnel.