Massachusetts: New church in America to commemorate persecuted Christians around the world and remind them to pray for them constantly. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, described as the Comforter of the Suffering, was consecrated at St. John the Guardian Parish in Clinton, Massachusetts. Bishop of Worcester Robert McManus officiated the last day of the sacrament.
Fr. Benedict Kiely is behind the idea of a ‘house of prayer for suffering Christians’. An icon painting of ‘Mary, Mother of Persecuted Christians’ painted by Iraqi deacon Ebrahim Lallo, who is also a painter, is also installed in the prayer hall. This is the third prayer house established by ‘Nazarayan.org’ in memory of persecuted Christians.
Fr. Keeley clarified. He added that more people should come forward to pray for the millions of brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their Christian faith. He also expressed his gratitude to the diocesan leadership for allowing him to set up a prayer house in Massachusetts.
This is the second prayer house in America prepared to pray for persecuted Christians. In 2017, the first house of prayer ‘Nazarayan.org’ was established at St. Michael’s Church in New York City. A second chapel is at the Ordinariate Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Gregory in London’s Soho district. The sacrament was last September.