World Day of Prayer gatherings this year took place in Kyabram and Inglewood on Friday 5 March.
Celebrated on the first Friday of March, World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical Christian movement that invites us to pray, learn and act on issues affecting women worldwide. Each year, a different country prepares the worship service, which focuses on the social justice issues, cultural experiences and needs of that country.
This year, the theme was prepared by women in Nigeria who chose the theme, “I will give you Rest, Come”, drawn from Matthew 11:28. A heartfelt invitation from Jesus to all who are burdened and heavy-laden. Participants were encouraged to lift their collective voices united in prayer and action.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
At St Mary’s, Inglewood, the Liturgy prepared by women in Nigeria was co-hosted by St Mary’s Catholic Church and the Anglican Parish, both of Inglewood. Local Anglican Pastor, Mark Watkins, representatives from the Bible Society and people from other Christian Churches in the community attended.
Part of the World Day of Prayer involves learning about issues that impact women. After the Liturgy and stories of three women provided by the World Day of Prayer movement, Inglewood parishioner and member of the Mission and Pastoral Life team, Leslie Cooper, shared some facts about Nigeria and the deep faith that the women of the country display in their daily lives.
“I think everyone left the service feeling profoundly grateful for the security and abundance we have here in Australia,” said Leslie. “The stories of these women who live in one of the most dangerous places to be a Christian are amplified by a volatile political and economic situation; two having lost their husbands to conflict, which has left them struggling to raise their families alone.”
Concluding her presentation, Leslie relayed a story from Nigerian-born Fr Henry Onyirioha’s (AP Kennington) homily, when he celebrated Mass at St Mary’s, Inglewood, last year.
“In Fr Henry’s home Diocese, families would bring livestock, fruit and vegetables to be blessed at Mass. After Mass these goods would be auctioned, and the proceeds would be used to support the parish. Then, the auctioned goods would be shared in a joyful feast amongst the whole community, eating as one family. In a nation marked by conflict, believers choose to gather, to give, to share and to rejoice. They turned ordinary life into worship, generosity and deep communion,” said Leslie.
In Kyabram, a World Day of Prayer service was held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, co-hosted by the Kyabram Parish and the Kyabram Baptist Church.
After the Liturgy, participants were amazed to learn about the work of Days for Girls, from the Charity’s CEO, Mary Connolly-Gale, a Tatura parishioner, who shared moving insights into the charity’s work; to build a more equitable world by eliminating menstrual poverty, with practical support and education that challenges taboos and myths. Many participants were surprised to learn that this type of poverty is not confined to developing economies, although its effects can be especially acute in places such as Nigeria, where girls and women may miss school or work because of a lack of resources, or awareness.
Note:
World Day of Prayer is a faith-based, prayerful reflection on women’s issues worldwide, while International Women's Day is a broader, secular celebration and advocacy for women’s rights. They complement each other: WDP nurtures spiritual awareness and empathy, and IWD drives social change and recognition.