A 25 sec. prayer tomorrow

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33577, 4 July 1974, Page 16

A 25 sec. prayer tomorrow

It was difficult to guage how many persons would respond to the suggestion of Form I pupils at Our Lady of Fatima School in Mairehau to join in a short prayer for world peace tomorrow evening, the class teacher, (Sister Rita) said yesterday.

The children suggested that at 6 p.m. tomorrow members of the public join in saying the Lord’s Prayer. Their open letter read: “We are inviting everyone to stop everything they are doing at 6 p.m. on July 5 and to pray together to our Father for world peace.

“It would take only 25 seconds and would be a wonderful thing to do, we think.” MR KIRK SAYS NO

Unfortunately, response had been mainly local, said Sister Rita. The Prime Minister (Mr Kirk) had declined the invitation to lead the

prayer on television, and news media had not taken the matter up, she said. The Lord’s prayer was chosen because it was probably the most well-known. More people ’vould tend to participate in the gesture than if they were left to formulate their own prayer.

Members of the public are expected to say the prayer in groups, families, or alone.

By the number of letters received over the last three weeks, it appears about 2700 at least, will be involved.

“However, we do not know how many will go ahead and pray,” said Sister Rita.