Approximately 30 members of St. Anne’s Church, Bethlehem, gathered March 25 at noon in response to Pope Francis’ appeal to pray for peace in Ukraine. The Rev. Anthony Mongiello, St. Anne’s pastor, read the pope’s “Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and then led congregants in reciting the Rosary, a Catholic devotion that uses a traditional prayer to Mary to focus on stages in the life, death, and resurrection of her son, Jesus. Ukrainian Orthodox Christians also share a devotion to the Blessed Mother, as witnessed by the dedication of their cathedral in Allentown to St. Mary, acknowledged by her Greek title “Theotokos,” “Mother of God.” Western Ukraine includes many people who worship at churches in communion with the Roman Church; eastern Ukraine is largely Orthodox.

Attendance at the St. Anne’s event was smaller than it might have been because of the short notice on which it was organized. The pope’s appeal for prayer had only come March 25. Also, many adults had to work. St. Anne’s School had a separate service for students, faculty and staff.