August 18, 2006

Prayers for peace in the Middle East

The MGH Chapel was filled with hope as members of the hospital community gathered to pray for peace in the Middle East at a recent interfaith service. Through religious readings, music and reflection, MGHers shared their spiritual beliefs and prayed for all those currently affected by the war in the Middle East.

Above, Eid

"It was striking to see members of the MGH community united for peace and to hear
the powerful words that came from their hearts," says chaplain Michael McElhinny. "We need to realize the simple value of getting along together."

Chaplaincy staff who participated in the service were Buddhist practitioner Sue Bridge, Imam Talal Eid, Rev. Ann Haywood-Baxter, Rabbi Ben Lanckton, McElhinny, Fr. Gabriel Michel, chaplain Anneca Philippakis and Rev. Angelika Zollfrank. Harp music was performed by Katherine Willow of GentleMUSES, an organization that works with the MGH Cancer Center to share therapeutic music with patients.