World Day of Prayer for Peace

World Day of Prayer for Peace

The Knights of Columbus World Day of Prayer for Peace seeks to unite Knights, Catholics and all people of good will – regardless of their religious faith – in prayer for peace.

While Sept. 11 will always be remembered for the tragic loss of life, Knights hope that this somber occasion will be the foundation of an annual opportunity for a day of earnest prayer for peace in the world.

To commemorate this tragedy with dignity and hope, the Supreme Council passed a resolution in 2004 to observe September 11 as a day of prayer for peace.

“The World Day of Prayer for Peace will bring to the world the Church’s message of peace and reconciliation, so that religion will always be a cause for mutual respect and harmony, and never for violence or hatred,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.

“In a special way, we remember the brave men and women of the military who work tirelessly, even to the point of sacrificing their own lives, to bring about true peace rooted in justice,” he added.

Tell Us About Your Programs

Send this information to the Fraternal Mission Department, Service Program Suggestions, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or e-mail fraternalmission@kofc.org. Please include "Service Program Suggestions" in the e-mail's subject line.

Action Steps

The Knights of Columbus World Day of Prayer for Peace will be conducted on Sept. 11.

Councils, assemblies and circles are urged to:

  1. Work with your chaplain and/or pastor to coordinate a special prayer service, rosary or Mass for peace on Sept. 11. Consider having military personnel, public servants, public safety personnel to serve as lectors, eucharistic ministers, etc.
  2. Distribute copies of the World Day of Prayer for Peace prayer card (#9484) to members and make it available in local parishes. Also, display the World Day of Prayer for Peace poster (#9483) in your council’s meeting areas, on parish bulletin boards, and in other appropriate areas.
  3. Make the World Day of Prayer for Peace an ecumenical event by involving churches of other denominations in the community. Invite them to join in any event coordinated by the Knights and provide World Day of Prayer for Peace posters and prayer cards for distribution in their worship centers.
  4. Sponsor a corporate Communion breakfast or after-Mass open house and distribute World Day of Prayer for Peace (#9484) prayer cards.
  5. Get approval for World Day of Prayer for Peace posters to be placed on parish, council and community bulletin boards.
  6. Consider recognizing local military personnel and/or public safety personnel in your community. Present them with a Patriotic Service award certificate (#839 – US; #839-C – Canada; #839-P –Philippines; and #839-S – Mexico).
  7. Conduct a special membership drive or First Degree exemplification targeting military personnel and/or public safety officials in your community.
  8. Make available to Knights and parishioners a supply of the Catholic Information Service (CIS) booklets  Fifth Commandment - Moral Issues of Life and Death (#127)  from the Luke E. Hart Series and A Scriptural Rosary for Peace (#319) from the Veritas Series.

Support Materials

Councils, assemblies and circles are urged to organize events and activities on Sept. 11 promoting prayer for peace in the world, and recognize those individuals in your community who work to bring about true peace. It is also a time to encourage members and their families to take time out on this day for personal prayer and reflection.

To assist in these efforts, the following items are available from the Supreme Council office.

To order any of the materials listed below, please visit knightsgear.com. Forms should be printed and faxed to the Supreme Council Supply Department at 1-800-266-6340. Please allow four weeks for delivery. The World Day of Prayer for Peace Poster and Holy Cards are available at no charge, when ordered in reasonable quantities.

Printed Materials

Title Number
World Day of Prayer for Peace Poster 9483
World Day of Prayer for Peace Holy Cards

9484
Patriotic Service Award Certificate – U.S. 839
Patriotic Service Award Certificate – Canada 839-C
Patriotic Service Award Certificate – Philippines 839-P

Luke E. Hart Series

The Fifth Commandment 127

Veritas Series

A Scriptural Rosary for Peace 319