Some in Siouxland united in prayer for Ukraine a country under attack.
Thursday afternoon saw reflection and prayer as the Bishop of the Sioux City Catholic Diocese R. Walker Nickless called on churches and houses of worship to ring bells at 3 p.m. and to pray for the end of war.
Sister Pat Doody is Vice President for Mission and Leadership Development at Briar Cliff. She shared her thoughts with Siouxland Public media about the crisis and the hope for peace.
A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa, for 33 years, Doody served as a member of the congregation’s Franciscan Charism team working in vocation and formation ministries. Her background also includes ministry as an English and theology teacher in Catholic secondary schools, English and Spanish teacher in the Georgia public school system, parish faith formation director and pastoral associate in multi-cultural parishes, and director of novices for the Third Order Regular Franciscan Common Novitiate in St. Louis, Missouri.
Doody earned a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida; a M.Div. from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois; and a M.Ed. and B.A. from North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Georgia.
Statement from Bishop Nickless on the aggression against Ukraine
February 24, 2022
As airstrikes and missiles are targeting areas of Ukraine, our brothers and sisters in that country are suffering from this aggression. We fear the people of Ukraine will continue to experience death and destruction of their homes in the days to come.
We ask our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of Peace to pray for us for an end to war.
I ask the faithful of the Diocese of Sioux City and all people of good will to pray for the people of Ukraine in this difficult time.
I ask that at 3 p.m. today, the hour of mercy, that we all step back from the busyness of our day for a minute of silence and prayer. I also ask that all churches and houses of worship ring bells at 3 p. m. to call all to prayer.
At that time, let us pray:
For peace
For Russia to cease their aggression and to withdraw to their own borders
For President Biden and all world leaders to collectively work for world peace
For our military men and women who serve at home and abroad and for their families.
Your brother in Christ,
Bishop R. Walker Nickless
Diocese of Sioux City