Leader: We gather to express our commitment of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Africa. As a resurrection people we believe Africa is rising to new life. Through the African people, strong in faith and rich in hope, a new future is dawning. Because we are the people of God, we stand and proclaim in prayer our commitment to work with, to come to know and to be in solidarity with our African brothers and sisters.

"In Christ There is no East or West" (© 1852-1941 Text by John Oxenham, American Tract Society; WORSHIP)

Opening Prayer:

Leader: We begin our prayer with the sign of our hope, + in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray. Creator God, we gather as a community in solidarity with our brothers and sister in Africa. We believe that together, through the power of love, revealed in the death and resurrection of your Son, we can transform resentment into reconciliation, war into peace, and sickness into health. Awaken within us the power of your Spirit. May we learn to live in solidarity, and come to believe in the transforming power of your love. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

1 Corinthians 12: 12-13, 19-26

Psalm Response: Psalm 103, "Praise of Divine Goodness"

Response: God secures justice and the rights of the oppressed.

God secures justice and the rights of the oppressed. God has made known the ways to Moses, and deeds to the children of Israel. Merciful and gracious is God, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.

R: God secures justice and the rights of the oppressed.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is God’s kindness. As far as the east is from the west, so far has our Creator put our wrongdoings from us.

R: God secures justice and the rights of the oppressed.

As a father has compassion for his children, so God has compassion for those who are lost. For the Lord knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.

R: God secures justice and the rights of the oppressed.

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you mighty in strength and obeying God’s word. Bless the Lord, all you who do goodwill. Bless our God’s work, O my soul!

R: God secures justice and the rights of the oppressed.

Reflection: During this time, participants may wish to reflect on any of the following questions.

— "If one member suffers, all suffer with it." How does the presence of HIV/AIDS and violent conflict

in Africa affect my community and me?

— How can I help promote peace in Africa within my own community? How can the parish promote peace?

— In light of the readings and the discussion, how do I hear myself called to respond?

Prayers of the Faithful:

Leader: As one family, let us pray together in Christ’s name.

To each petition please respond: We ask for hope and healing.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Atmosphere: Augment the prayer service by decorating the room with African cloth, candles, and symbols from nature or African artwork.

Resources: African words for Peace (can be used during the sign of peace)

In Ghana, they say Asomdwoe ä In Ethopia, they say Selam ä In Mali, they say Here ä In Zambia, they say Mutenden

In Nigeria, they say Lumana ä In Kenya, they say Amani ä In Democratic Republic of Congo, they say Nye

In Zimbabwe, they say Runyararo ä In South Africa, they say Ukuthula ä In Uganda, they say Emirembe

"Africa is waiting for the Good Samaritan to pass by so she may not die".

~ Bishop Palmer-Buckle, Diocese of Koforidua, Ghana

"The mystery of the love of the Triune God is the origin, model and purpose of the Church, a mystery that finds suitable expression for Africa in the image of the Church-as-Family. For this image emphasizes care for the other, solidarity, warmth of relations, acceptance, dialogue and trust. It shows also how authority is exercised as service in love."

~ African Bishops