We Pray For Peace- This Is Our Call
March 25th- World Day of Prayer for Peace
On Friday the 25th of March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Pope Francis has called all
Catholics together to pray for peace. As we pray, Pope Francis and other religious leaders around the
world will consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the hopes of lasting peace.
During the week Butterfly House ( an organisation started by Andrew Chinn
and fellow artists – we sing a lot of their songs at our Masses and Liturgies)
released ‘Sunflowers’ by Timothy Hart- A song of solidarity, offered in prayer
and hope to the people of Ukraine, and also in support of the Caritas appeal. 
The sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower where golden fields of them face
the sunrise in the east. They are grown in gardens, worn for special
celebrations, the seeds - part of the diet, and oil a big part of the economy.
Because of their affinity to the sun, sunflowers symbolise warmth and love,
and throughout Ukraine’s history, have become a symbol of peace. In recent
weeks, the sunflower has become a global symbol for strength, resistance and
solidarity.
 
As you watch the clip, notice how the fields of sunflowers resemble the crowds
of people gathered in protest in various locations around the world. As you
listen, notice the bright ring of the tambourine - an instrument which
epitomises protest, and is used to musically represent the warmth of the
sunflower.
 
The song also draws on the imagery of the nightingale - Ukraine’s national bird.
The nightingale is renowned for its beautiful warbling song, and is a symbol of
hope and freedom. As you watch the lyric-video you will see the blue and gold
nightingale sing her song of peace and justice bringing warmth and colour. The
nightingale is like the Holy Spirit at work in the world, speaking out through the
voices of all those who stand in solidarity with Ukraine waving their signs.
 
As you listen, notice the fluttering movements of the piano, which resemble
the warble of the nightingale. As we pray for the needs of the world today, we
ask that the people of Ukraine are held in warmth and love, and that the
conflict will come to a peaceful end. We also pray for one another that we
have the courage and strength to speak up and speak out against wrong doing
and harm in our world as we choose to ‘stand with’ those who are oppressed.
May this give us hope. May we be hope for one another.

Kind Regards

Sue Benc

(This article was written by the Butterfly House organisation)