.- The 2009 International Week of Prayer and Fasting will take place from October 2-12 to pray for peace and an end to abortion.
Organizers of the 17th annual Week of Prayer and Fasting comprise a coalition of Catholic and Christian organizations. They said the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Rosary are “supernatural heavenly weapons to prevent disasters, wars and degeneration.”
The goals of this week of prayer are the conversion of nations, peace and an end to abortion. Its theme is “God’s Plan for Life and Love.” Organizers are asking people to attend the week’s events in Washington, D.C. if possible and also to fast, go to confession, attend daily Mass and offer prayers such as Holy Hours, Rosaries and Divine Mercy Chaplets.
Activities during the Week of Prayer and Fasting include a Young Adult Festival and Eucharistic Prayer Vigil, which will both have relics of the Passion present.
A series of speakers will make presentations at the John Paul II Cultural Center on October 10. The speakers include Chris Horn, Chris Padgett, Christina Condit, Kristan Hawkins and Fr. Clement Machado.
On the evening of October 11, a banquet will be held with a reception and dinner with former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum. Speakers at the October 12 Eucharistic Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception include Jennifer O’Neill, Dr. John Jackson, Fr. Clement Machado, Fr. Frank Pavone, Patty Fason, Melissa Ohden and Dan Lynch.
The Week of Prayer and Fasting website is at http://www.iwopf.org
