October 28, 2008
Memorial Service for Officers Cassidy, McDonald, Nazario
Religious Leaders Offer Prayers for Healing and Hope
The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia and the Mayor's Office of Faith Based Initiatives will hold a Memorial Service to conclude the period of mourning for Sergeant Patrick McDonald and Officer Isabel Nazario and commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of Officer Chuck Cassidy. The service to remember all victims of violence will be hosted by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The ecumenical service with interfaith participation will include the presentation of City of Philadelphia flags to the officers' families by students from Cardinal Dougherty High School (Cassidy alma mater), Archbishop Ryan High School (McDonald alma mater) and St. Veronica (Nazario parish). Mayor Nutter will offer remarks and Cardinal Rigali will say a Closing Prayer for Peace. Commissioner Ramsey will lead police officers in the Policeman's Prayer.
At noon, the service will conclude with a procession to the steps of the Cathedral, where Jewish leaders will sound shofars signaling the start of a one-minute citywide silent "Pause for Healing and Hope." Cardinal Rigali has asked all pastors of the Archdiocese to honor Mayor Nutter's request for a ringing of church bells to begin a moment of silent prayer for peace and an end to violence. All citizens are asked to pause for prayer for all victims and reflect on how they can help end the violence in their communities.
The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia was formed in 2006 to unite religious leaders, to build relationships of mutual support, to offer a moral and spiritual voice, and to take action on issues of critical concern in our region. The Council has identified the issue of violence as its first priority and has joined hands with the Mayor and leaders of this region to walk the ways of peace. The Religious Leaders Council is coordinated by the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia 3723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104, info@interfaithcenterpa.org, 215-222-1012.
Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747