Ash Wednesday peace events

The beginning of Lent this Wednesday will be marked with a number of actions and prayer vigils around the world.

In London there will be the annual witness of Repentance and Resistance to nuclear war preparations, organised by Pax Christi, Christian CND and London Catholic Worker. Groups will meet in Whitehall Gardens off Horseguards Avenue, near the Ministry of Defence at 3pm to start the act of worship, followed by a procession into Horseguards Avenue for prayer and reflection at a number of stopping points.

During the procession the MOD building may be marked with crosses using charcoal and ash blessed at the beginning of the service.

A key part of the day's message will be a call on the government to cancel Trident, the UK's independent nuclear programme. The government is committed to the replacement of Trident at a cost of £100 billion. The Catholic Church has always been clear in its teaching on nuclear issues. Last year in his World Peace Day message, Pope Francis said: “I make my own the appeal of my predecessors for the non-proliferation of arms and for disarmament of all parties, beginning with nuclear and chemical weapons disarmament.“

Pax Christi Liverpool will have a procession and vigil from 11.45am - 12.45pm with a focus on Trident. Meet at 11.45am at Bold Street, processing through the city centre to the Law Courts.

In New York, Pax Christi Metro will be leafletting outside Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

For further information see - 

Pax Christi UK: http://paxchristi.org.uk/

Pax Christi International: www.paxchristi.net/