There’s no place Donna Price would rather be on New Year’s Eve than the interfaith prayer service at St. Ignatius in Mount Vernon.
More than 600 people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faith traditions annually pack the city’s Jesuit church to offer prayers for the city and civic leaders. The gathering is also an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of the previous year.
“It’s really a very special event,” said Price, a longtime parishioner. “The congregation is truly diverse, and the music is just beautiful. Everyone sings at the top of their lungs.”
The interfaith prayer service was started by Jesuit Father William Watters in 1993 after the former St. Ignatius pastor read about a similar service the pope led for the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, Price said.
Father Watters asked Price to be one of the service’s organizers after she attended the inaugural event. She’s been involved on the service’s planning committee ever since.
Price noted that many civic leaders, including Baltimore mayors, have attended the celebration. She recalled that former Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, in his last year in office, told the congregation that participating in the prayer service was the most inspiring and important activity of his years in office.
Current Mayor Brandon Scott is expected to participate this year, Price said, along with Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, Judge Lewyn Scott Garrett and other invited dignitaries.
Representatives of the faith community will include Archbishop William E. Lori, Daiko Matt Fetting, Rabbi Naomi Zaslow, the Rev. Christian Iosso, the Rev. Lauretta Halstead, Imam Ismet Akcin, Pastor Mark Parker, Dr. Alisha Tatem, Mercy Sister Helen Amos, Ukrainian Catholic Father Vasyl Sivinskyi and Jesuit Father Brian Frain.
The hourlong service begins Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. and is preceded by a musical prelude at 8 p.m. Prayers and readings will be offered during the service, along with a brief reflection. The service will end with the singing of “Nella Fantasia” and the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn used in Jewish ritual. A reception will follow in the hall.
Price noted that the event is free and open to all. Free parking is available on the street and behind the state building across the street from St. Ignatius.
The 30th interfaith prayer service will also be livestreamed on the parish’s webpage at st-ignatius.net.
“It’s really a lovely gathering – and it’s gotten more beautiful every year,” Price said.
Prayer Intentions
Pope Francis asks for prayers for the following in 2023
January: Educators
February: Parishes
March: Victims of abuse
April: Peace and nonviolence
May: Church groups/movements
June: Abolition of torture
July: Eucharistic life
August: World Youth Day
September: People on the margins
October: Synod on Synodality
November: For the Holy Father
December: Persons with disabilities
For written prayers on the above intentions, visit popesprayerusa.net
Email George P. Matysek Jr. at gmatysek@CatholicReview.org
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