Friendship Gathering at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church

Women Association - Friendship Gatherings
Print

Our Lady of Mount Virgin Roman Catholic Church in Middlesex hosted the Peace Islands Institute in a Friendship Gathering on Sunday, February 12th, 2012.

Sister James Xavier started the program by an interfaith prayer; thanking the Lord for uniting all children of Adam under one roof. She talked about how she learned and attended previous Peace Islands Institute programs in the region. How she is effected by the beauty of these interfaith gatherings of people from all walks of life. She mentioned the objectives of Friendship Gatherings, being to breakdown barriers between communities by visiting them in their faith-houses. And she welcomed the Peace Islands Institute volunteers and members by saying "they come as family and friends to engage in friendly conversations".

Sister James then introduced Dr. Nuray Yurt, Central Jersey Director of Peace Islands Institute. Dr. Yurt briefly introduced PII, its programs and events that are held through out the year. She mentioned the purpose of the friendship gatherings emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue, these kind of grass-root level programs, their contribution to building a beautiful and caring community and how much attention is given by PII on these events. She also added, as people of Abrahamic religions, we need to gather under the banner of understanding, sharing and tolerance.

After the mass Pastor Patrick J. Kuffner joined the program. In his speech he welcomed all and expressed how pleased he was to see members of his church meet with people from different backgrounds and religions on the common ground of friendship and dialogue.

Attendees got a taste of the delicious dishes of the Turkish cuisine prepared by PII volunteers, which included stuffed grape leaves, pastry and desserts. New friends were made on this wonderful event. It was a well-spent Sunday morning.

We thank Sister James Xavier for inviting PII volunteers to their church&community and making this event possible.

Pictures from the event: