The 16th International Week of Prayer and Fasting (October 5-13, 2008) featuring: Congressman Chris Smith, Sister Briege McKenna, Immaculee Ilibagiza -- 'Rwandan Genocide Survivor,' Fr. Frank Pavone and Others

Contact: Maureen Flynn, Coalition Chairperson, International Week of Prayer and Fasting Coalition, 703-707-0799, iwpf2008@aol.com, www.IWOPF.org

MEDIA ADVISORY, September 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- The International Week of Prayer and Fasting Coalition has gained huge momentum with life issues electrifying the US elections. Coalition Chairperson Maureen Flynn believes the mission of organizing prayers for world peace, life issues, and the upcoming presidential election has never been more necessary.  In fact, the focus of the group's mission- building a Culture of Life- has become even more relevant.  Flynn states: "Our country and our world are at a crossroads.  We must see the critical importance of this election and the need for prayer."  The inclusion of a pro-life woman into this election has mobilized the base of both parties and brought all Culture of Life issues to the forefront.

Photo: Blessed Mother Teresa was a major supporter of this week

Presently, terrorism threatens global peace and security.  And yet, in the past 35 years, we have allowed another form of terrorism, the killing of the innocent unborn child.  There are 1.3 million abortions a year in the United States.  Globally, we have allowed the killing of the Innocents and are now in danger of having a president who supports infanticide.  In the Old Testament, the ultimate sin that brought about judgment upon nations was the sin of child sacrifice.  As Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish" and "the greatest destroyer of peace and love in the world is abortion".

The International Week of Prayer and Fasting is now in its 16th year and is gaining unprecedented momentum!  

The goals of the week are: the conversion of nations, world peace and the building of a culture of life.  This year's theme is Hope and Healing.  The Coalition is asking for people to participate as individuals, families, and parishes in the following ways: attend the events in Washington, DC if possible; fast, attend daily Mass, and offer prayers, including but not limited to Holy Hours, Rosaries, Divine Mercy Chaplets and Confession.  The week culminates with three special events held in Washington D.C., October 11-13:

·        Saturday, October 11: Healing, Hope and Prayer Conference at the John Paul II Cultural Center, 9am to 6pm.  Speakers include Fr. Jose Maniyangat, Fr. Dan Leary and Richard Bingold. 

·        Sunday, October 12:  Healing and Hope Banquet at the Georgetown University Conference Center, 5:30pm.  Reception and silent/live auction with renowned speaker Sister Briege McKenna, author of "Miracles Do Happen," and Raymond Arroyo, EWTN News Director and author as Master of Ceremonies. 

·        Monday, October 13: Eucharistic Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 9am to 5pm.  Speakers include Bishop Martin Holley, Sister Briege McKenna, Fr. Frank Pavone, Congressman Chris Smith, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Fr. Clement Machado and Dan Lynch. 

For more information or to register go to www.iwopf.org or call 1-888-478-PRAY / 703-707-0799.