Lahore: September 13, 2013. (Pervez Yousaf) On September 01, 2013 Holy Father Pope Francis the leader of over 1.2 billion Catholics issued a plea to Catholics, all Christians, followers of other faiths/creeds and all people of good will, to observe a day of peace, prayer and fasting for peace in Syria and Middle East. In this regard community of Sant Egidio organized a special peace prayer service in St. Mary’s Church Gulberg Lahore. Parish priest Rev. Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap was the celebrant while Sadia Iqbal and Khurram Pervez of sant Egidio Community Lahore, were the organizers of this prayer service. Addressing the participants Fr. William said, “Today Catholics, around the world, are celebrating the birthday of Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace. To emphasize the importance of this magnificent day our Holy Father Pope Francis has appealed all the people of the world to observe a day of peace, prayer and fasting to express solidarity with the people of Syria, Middle East and other countries of the world. In order to respond to the appeal of Holy Father, Community of Sant Egidio has organized this peace vigil in our parish so that we can also pray together for the restoration of peace in these countries.” He further said, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Virgin Mary spread the message of peace in this world and said that Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Mt. 5:9).” He also referred the initiative of St. Francis of Assisi the founder of Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church, regarding the promotion of peace during the second decade of 13th century. St. Francis of Assisi played role of a great peacemaker bringing the message of peace to Sultan of Egypt, Al-Kamil where a Crusader army had been encamped for over a year besieging the walled city of Damietta two miles (3.2 kilometers) upstream from the mouth of one of the main channels of the Nile. Following his message of peace (peace accord) both sides agreed to a ceasefire.” He said that Blessed Pope (Late) John Paul II is also recognized as a great peacemaker by the people of the world regardless of any sort of religious or sectarian discrimination. He visited many countries carrying the message of peace in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. 21 Candles were also illuminated as a symbol of light of peace in 21 different countries of the world including Syria, Egypt and Pakistan. A large number of worshippers were present on this occasion who recited supplications for the restoration of peace and rehabilitation of the citizens of these countries so that they may live peacefully!