This year’s World Day of Prayer—an event which has been held since 1922—will be celebrated from 7 to 9 p.m. at Zion United Church on Brink Street in Ashcroft.
The international event brings together people from all backgrounds, cultures, and religions and unites them in prayer, and each year’s event has a different focus or theme.
This year’s focus was provided by the World Day of Prayer committee of the Philippines, and will look at the country’s culture and history, its economic and political struggles, and the challenges faced by many women and girls in the country.
It is an opportunity for people all around the world to learn about the country, and better understand what is happening there.
Shirlee Dobson, the organizer of this year’s Ashcroft event, says there will be an opportunity for people to read about the Philippines and see displays about the country.
“There will be a church service and prayer first, and then a chance to see the displays and enjoy some goodies.” Plans are to include sticky rice treats, which are popular in the Philippines.
A spokesperson for the World Day of Prayer committee says that the secret to the depth and insight provided at each annual event is the women who plan and write them.
“Too often, women have the most intimate experiences of armed conflict, violence, social injustice, and human rights violations.
“What might Canadians learn from women of the Philippines, a country on the front lines of climate change, foreign mining and resource interests, a regional insurgency, and social upheaval due to migration?”
While much of the focus is on women, Dobson says that men are very much a part of it.
“The event is open to any men and women who want to come.”
This year’s World Day of Prayer will take place in more than 170 countries, and in more than 2,000 communities across Canada.