A unique gathering of differing Christian Faiths that come together once a year as an act of friendship and of focused prayer on a particular aspect, this year’s meeting was in the aid of the sin of racism. Each year each faith takes it upon themselves to host this annual event and it was the turn of the Methodist Church, Battery Rd, Longford Town. An open invitation to all the varying Christian Faiths, there were various speakers,  music and song, with a clear message of unity against the sin of racism.  There was a poignant prayer at the end said by Father Tony of St Mel’s Cathedral, 

The Sending: A Franciscan Benediction 

Attributed to the earliest followers of St Francis 

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart. 

May God bless you with anger 

At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. 

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them 

And turn their pain into joy, 

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world 

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. 

Amen