People across Harborough urged to pray for a better 2021 as we say goodbye to a turbulent year

People across Harborough are being urged to pray for world peace as we all prepare to celebrate the New Year after a turbulent 2020 across the globe.

You are being asked to support the special 30-minute peace vigil at 5pm on Friday January 8.

The event has been staged by Harborough Action for Justice and Peace Group, part of Churches Together, on The Square in Market Harborough over the last few years.

“However, in 2021 we will not be able to gather in the town’s most public of spaces.

“So the group would like to invite people all over Harborough to light a candle, shine a torch or other source of light at home on Friday afternoon, January 8 between 5pm and 5.30pm.

“And please spend time reflecting on and praying for peace throughout our troubled world in silent vigil,” said the group.

“There are prayers and reflections offered for your use on the Churches Together website at https://www.harboroughchurches.org.uk/”

One powerful statement about peace was made by Saint Oscar Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador, who was assassinated as he celebrated Mass in 1980.

He said: “Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the result of violent oppression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. It is a right and a duty.”