In the Archdiocese of Baltimore beginning this year, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord will be observed on the Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 12, 2002) rather than on the Thursday after the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

On Thursday, January 24, 2002, Pope John Paul II will travel in pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy where he will host a day of prayer and meetings with other leaders of world religious bodies, seeking to find paths to peace for many parts of the world embroiled in violence and war.

In Baltimore on that day, a pilgrimage of prayer for peace will demonstrate a solidarity of people of faith in this region, as religious leaders will join for prayer in turn at a synagogue, a mosque and Protestant, Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches. Traveling together, religious leaders will visit:

1:45 p.m. – Chizuk Amuno Congregation – Rabbi Joel H. Zaiman – 8100 Stevenson Rd – 410-486-6400
2:40 p.m. – Masjid Ul Haqq – Imam Darryl Wainwright – 514 Islamic Way – 410-728-1363
3:30 p.m. – Union Baptist Church – Rev. Dr. Lorenzo C. Handy, Associate Minister – 1219 Druid Hill Ave. – 410-523-6880
4:15 p.m. – Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation – Very Rev. Constantine M. Monios – 24 West Preston St. – 410-727-1831
5:30 p.m. – Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Cardinal William H. Keeler – Cathedral and Mulberry Streets – 410-727-3566

Pilgrimage is a concept shared by many faiths. By physically visiting holy places outside our usual practice, we give focus to the state of our relationship with God. The brief prayer services are open to the public, although participants are encouraged to choose one location among the five to join the group in prayer, since it may not be logistically possible for individuals to move quickly between places of worship.

Media are invited to attend at each location and a press availability is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Basilica. Point of contact is Ray Kempisty at 410-547-5378.

Sean Caine

Sean Caine is Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Communications