November 17, 2000

The MGH Chaplaincy and the Patient Care Services Diversity Steering Committee hosted an interfaith vigil for peace Nov. 8 to pray for world harmony and peace, particularly in the Middle East.

Members of the multifaith Chaplaincy staff offered messages of peace and prayers of hope from their respective faiths, and musical interludes were played.

"Unfortunately, religion can be used as a way to divide in some regions of the world, but core teachings encourage us to find peace and harmony for everyone," said Rev. Mary Martha Thiel, director of MGH Chaplaincy. "We come here today to pray for peace for our community and for the many parts of the world who are in need of peace."

Chaplaincy staff who spoke included Rev. Philip McGaugh, Catholic priest staff chaplain; Imam Talal Eid, Muslim staff chaplain; Curtis Buddenhagen, Buddhist staff chaplain; Rabbi Abraham Halbfinger, Jewish staff chaplain; Michael McElhinny, chaplain for Oncology; and Rev. Felix Ojimba, Catholic priest staff chaplain.

"This is a time for us to reflect on our values and offer messages of peace and harmony," said Deborah Washington, RN, director of Diversity for Patient Care Services. "Let us take this time to be of one heart and one mind."

MGH Chaplaincy staff at the interfaith vigil for peace