Archdiocese celebrates uplifting Day of Prayer to unite faithful
In response to Pope Francis declaring 2024 as a Year of Prayer, the Archdiocese of Newark hosted an uplifting Day of Prayer that saw over 100 local faithful gather for hours of song, praise, and storytelling at Kearny’s St. John Paul II Youth Retreat Center on June 29.
The event began with an energetic address from ValLimar Jansen, a passionately Catholic singer-songwriter and professional actor, with Deacon Asterio Velasco, the Archdiocese’s director of Hispanic ministry, translating for Spanish speakers. Jansen started by singing songs of praise that moved participants to raise their hands and hearts to God. Afterward, she brought biblical stories to life through dynamic performances.
“Prayer allows us to commune with the Almighty, ever-living God,” Jansen said before leading all in a rendition of the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” “Through prayer, we experience God’s presence and consolation. Prayer sets us free from the worries that bind us.”
Following Jansen’s keynote presentation, participants were invited to attend a breakout session in either English or Spanish. The English session was led by Dr. Patrick Manning, associate professor of pastoral theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology and director of the Center for Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University. Manning specializes in practical theology with a particular interest in contemplative prayer and pedagogy. During his session, he led participants in Lectio Divina, an ancient form of quiet prayer and meditation with the Sacred Scriptures.
“In the midst of our busy lives and fast-paced culture, it is important to take time to slow down and sit with God in quiet,” Manning said. “The Scriptures help us to focus on God’s Word and to hear His voice. God desires to give us the direction and consolation we seek. We need to quiet our hearts and minds to hear Him.”
Manning reflected on the Gospel reading for the day (Matthew 16:13-19) to lead those present through the four steps of Lectio Divina: reading Scripture, meditating on Scripture, praying to God for guidance, and contemplating on God’s presence.
“I really needed this today,” said one participant. “After dancing and singing praise to God, I was able to quiet my mind and really focus on God’s presence by meditating on the Bible passage. I received some much-needed guidance and a new perspective on things. I’m so grateful!”
The Spanish session was led by Father Danny Pabon, who serves as the administrator of St. Leo’s Church in Elmwood Park and an adjunct professor at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, the Center for Diaconal Formation, and the University Core Curriculum at Seton Hall University. Father Pabon instructed participants on how to use their breathing to deepen their prayer. He explained that the Hebrew word for “breath” is “Ruah,” and when they inhale, they breathe in the Holy Spirit and welcome the Spirit of God to reside within them and transform them so conversion can take place.
Father Pabon also shared that when they exhale, they use their breath to give witness and share the Gospel. He encouraged all to focus on the movement of breathing in prayer to help with meditation and contemplation on the presence of God.
“It was an incredible experience,” one participant said. “It filled me with a lot of hope. I learned how to pray differently and to connect more deeply with the Holy Spirit.”
After the breakout sessions, all gathered in Sacred Heart Chapel for Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, vicar of Hudson County. Jansen opened the Mass with the song, “Akwaaba! Welcome!” – a greeting used by the people of Ghana. The chapel was filled with resounding echoes of welcome as Bishop Studerus processed up the aisle.
“Wow!” said Bishop Studerus, “I can’t help but smile because of all the joy in this chapel! It must have been an amazing day!”
All agreed with a round of applause.
During his homily, Bishop Studerus asked, “What is prayer?” and quoted St. Teresa of Avila: “Prayer is a great act of love. We desire God as God desires us.” He also encouraged all to encounter God as a friend who loves everyone and to pray with hearts open to encountering God.
“Are we not fortunate in this world to have God as our friend?” Bishop Studerus asked.
At the closing of Mass, Bishop Studerus commended the collaboration of the Day of Prayer planning team, which consisted of representatives of varied archdiocesan offices. These included the Secretariat of Evangelization, the Secretariat of Parish Mission and Vitality, the Catechetical Office, the Office of Communications; the Office of Divine Worship; the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry; the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate; and the Hispanic Ministry.
“Dare I say the word? Synodality? This is what it looks like, and this is the way that the Church needs to move forward — working together and walking together to serve the people of God,” Bishop Studerus said.
Following the event, participants were asked to complete evaluation forms to share their thoughts on the Day of Prayer. The feedback was glowingly positive.
“I loved the uplifting spirit and sense of community, inclusion, and unity I experienced today,” one participant wrote. “This was a sign of hope for me. I also appreciated the moments of quiet prayer during the opening service and breakout session. Thank you!”
Another participant expressed appreciation for the chance to learn about unfamiliar forms of worship.
“Praying in so many new and different ways was a gift,” the participant wrote. “And I have to say, ValLimar was so on fire with the Holy Spirit and spread so much joy, which included EVERYONE. It was a fantastic day.”
A Year of Prayer Webpage has been created to accompany the Archdiocese of Newark’s faithful with prayer resources and information on prayerful events throughout 2024. The Vatican also offers a resource site for the Year of Prayer and the Jubilee of 2025.
Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera
Featured image: Keynote speaker ValLimar Jansen leads the gathered faithful in a motivational exercise during the Archdiocese of Newark’s Day of Prayer at Kearny’s St. John Paul II Youth Retreat Center on June 29, 2024. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
