PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik has urged local Catholics to be welcoming and offer hospitality and prayer when the city hosts the Sept. 24-25 Group of 20 summit focusing on the economic recession.
The Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Pittsburgh and the National Fellowship of Catholic Men plan to do their part by conducting an international prayer and fasting campaign during the gathering.
Leaders of the two organizations were asking Catholics from around the world to support and/or participate in the campaign, which is detailed on the fellowship’s Web site at www.cmfpitt.org. A 40-day fast began Aug. 15 and was to run to Sept. 23.
Patrick Molyneaux, co-director of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship, pointed out that the developed world is rapidly moving away from Judeo-Christian values in the name of “economics” and that people must allow the Holy Spirit to inspire Christians to unify in prayer for world economic decision-makers.
“We can make a difference through prayer and sacrifice,” he told the Pittsburgh Catholic, newspaper of the diocese. “Pittsburgh is well-rooted in Christian values. We have as good a chance as any other city to become a conduit of God’s grace to these leaders on Sept. 24 and 25.”
The G-20 is an informal forum that promotes discussion among industrial and emerging-market countries on key issues related to global economic stability. It includes representatives of 19 countries and the European Union; representatives of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are ex-officio members.
Four separate devotions will be held during the G-20 meetings.
On Sept. 24 and 25, 40 hours of eucharistic adoration will take place at St. Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh. Bishop Zubik will begin the adoration with a morning Mass Sept. 24. Adoration will close with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament the evening of Sept. 25.
Organizers of the prayer and fasting campaign said those who cannot go to the seminary during the two days could participate in a Holy Hour at a church near them. The organizers hope to have adoration in at least those countries represented by the G-20.
During the days of the international gathering, the Legion of Mary also will lead the rosary and chaplet of Divine Mercy at the seminary.