Responding to the societal, family, and personal pressures facing people around the world and in T&T, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) has decided to host a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving themed United for a Greater Nation. Carded for September 27, the event will take place at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, starting at 10.30 am and running to 2.30 pm. It will feature prayers and presentations by all denominations and addresses by a wide spectrum of religious leaders.
All citizens are being called upon to unite in this effort to create a special environment of spiritual solidarity to bring solace and comfort to the country's families, seniors and younger generation, and to pray for a greater nation. A national body representing T&T's many faiths, the IRO was founded in 1970, basing its philosophy and activities in belief in the fatherhood of God and the "universal brotherhood of man".
Reflecting on the difficulties being experienced by many individuals, families and neighbourhoods at this time, senior IRO president spokesperson Pundit Bramdeo Maharaj said that the organisation felt that "the time is right for the many strands of our rainbow country to join hands and be of one mind in praying for the healing that any nation in today's world must seek in order to grow and succeed as a people. By sharing in prayer, worship and thanksgiving, we can demonstrate respect, support, harmony and awareness of the universal values that are our Nation's heritage and of which we are heirs."
Calling on persons of every age to turn out in their thousands, Maharaj noted that, "the majority of citizens can combat negative forces with the power of thought and prayer. Let us come together to put that power to good use."
For further details, interested individuals and groups can contact Pundit Bramdeo Maharaj (659-2421 or 791-7902); and;
Dr Valerie Hackshaw (651-0477 or 469-4021).