By Ali Biddiscombe
The World Prayer Assembly (WPA) 2023 has last week commenced in Perth under the theme ‘Wave of Glory’ aiming to unite all in prayer and ignite a movement of spiritual renewal.
The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will see people from all faiths and walks of life gather for the event ‘transcending boundaries to create a powerful tapestry of faith.’
In the lead up to international gatherings taking place this week, which encourages people to ‘connect, pray and celebrate their shared faith while embracing the cultural diversity that enriches the body of Christ,’ breakout events were held within the Archdiocese.
Flame Ministries International (FMI) responded to an invitation to lead a prayer segment in a pre-event at Kingdomcity recently in Wangara.
“As a Catholic organisation, we also hosted a pre-event gathering to show our solidarity with this global prayer for unity,” FMI Senior Director Cyrus D’Souza said.
“Entitled ‘We Are One’, it was held at St Mary’s Cathedral on the 24 September, 2:00pm to 3:30pm.
“The Dean of the Cathedral, Rev Fr Sean Fernandez, has been very supportive and generously opened the doors of the Cathedral for this event,” Mr D’Souza said.
“The event started with songs of praise and worship led by FMI worship leader, Carlos Moreira.
“Following this there were three segments of prayer. Firstly, humility and surrender – the prayer team was led FMI Senior Director Kaye Rollings. Secondly, praying for the nations – this prayer team was led by Cyrus D’Souza. The third segment, many stream one river, involved people representing different cultures, generations and denominations coming forward to pray for unity, led by Baptist, Senior Pastor Nick Scott.
“The three prayer segments were harmoniously accompanied by the Cathedral’s Director of music and organist, Jacinta Jakovcevic.”
Mr D’Souza said that one of the highlights was the lighting of the Unity candle by the people representing the different cultures, generations, and denominations.
“A procession with streams of cloth was carried down the aisle and interwoven as a symbol of unity.”
“The event concluded with the congregation holding flags of various nations and singing along to the song Blessed be your name.
This was to support the ‘Adopt-a-Flag’ initiative to make a global impact through prayer where churches can choose a country to pray for, using flags as visual symbols and committing to intercede for its wellbeing and spiritual growth. This focused effort can transform the spiritual landscape worldwide.
Mr D’Souza thanked Wendy Yapp, one of the coordinators from the WPA 2023, who helped with the planning of this event.
“The event was a great success with about 150 people from various Christian denominations attending. Many were touched, some with the experience of praying together with people from other denominations, others by the grandeur of the Cathedral. A gentleman shared with me, that this is the first time he knew of ‘Charismatics’ in the Catholic Church,” he said.
Kaye Rollings and Mr D’Souza have both been invited to lead breakout sessions during the World Prayer Assembly.
Kaye has been invited to co-host one of these sessions – Praying for Government – with a leader who will be coming from South America for the Perth event. Cyrus has been invited to be coordinate this session.
For more information visit the WPA website