Contact: Maureen Flynn, Coordinator, 14th International Week of Prayer and Fasting Committee, 703-707-0799, www.internationalweekofprayerandfasting.org  

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, /Christian Newswire/ -- As the world faces the continual threat of global terrorism, natural disasters, and major conflicts in the Middle East, a Coalition of Catholic and Christian organizations worldwide have mobilized a grassroots effort to pray and fast in October. This Coalition is coordinating the 14th Annual International Week of Prayer and Fasting and to promote a Culture of Life with special events planned for the Washington, DC region.

The International Week of Prayer and Fasting will begin on October 1, 2006, Respect Life Sunday with Life Chains and Prayer Rallies around the world. The goals of the week are: the Conversion of Nations, an end to abortion and to build a Culture of Life. The Coalition is asking for people to participate as individuals, families and parishes by organizing and offering the following: Fasting, Daily Masses, Prayer to include: Holy Hours, Rosaries, and Divine Mercy Chaplets and Confession.

Two moral giants of our times have endorsed this Coalition and their efforts. Pope John Paul II imparted his Apostolic Blessing to all participants of this prayer effort. Blessed Mother Teresa felt very strongly about this Week of Prayer and Fasting, and stated emphatically, “This must happen – prayer is the answer to all the world’s problems.” She also said, “Do not wait for leaders, do it alone, person to person.”

Two special events are planned for our nation’s capitol. The first, on Sat. Oct. 7, 2006 is a Youth and Family Conference titled, “To Build a Culture of Life”. This daylong event will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Herndon, VA from 8am to 9pm. Guest speakers will include prominent Catholic speakers including Dr. Alan Keyes, Jason Jones, Lisa Epperson of LIFETEEN, and Rev. Ron Stone. There will be live music throughout the day. Information and registration online for the Youth and Family Conference is at: www.internationalweekofprayerandfasting.org or call 703-707-0799. Group discounts are available.

The second event is planned for Mon. Oct. 9, 2006 and will be an All Day Prayer Vigil, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. This Vigil features dynamic Catholic religious and lay speakers including: Fr. Frank Pavone; Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor; Fr. Emmanuel McCarthy; Dan Lynch; Dir., Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Bud Macfarlane, Sr.; and Steve McDonald, on Embryonic Stem Cell Research; Rosary; Divine Mercy Chaplet; Confessions; and Eucharistic Adoration. There is no charge for the Vigil.