Community & Business
18 March, 2026
An invitation to rest at World Day of Prayer
On 6th March, St. Stephen’s Catholic Parish hosted the annual World Day of Prayer service in Pittsworth, prepared by the people of Nigeria, which focused on God’s call for the weary to find rest, renewal and peace (Matthew 11:28).
Fifty-three people attended with a wonderful turnout from the Years 5 and 6 students of St. Stephen’s Primary School.
The students opened the service with a rendition of Light the Way by Andrew Chinn, which was followed by a video of a Nigerian choir singing the traditional hymn Are You Weary.
Those in attendance at the service dressed in the Nigerian flag colours of green and white.
Representatives from Pittsworth’s Anglican, Uniting and Lutheran churches took part in the service.
Parish Priest, Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy welcomed everyone to the World Day of Prayer service.
“Our theme, I Will Give You Rest: Come, is drawn from Matthew 11:28,” he said.
“It is a heartfelt invitation from Jesus to all who are burdened and heavy-laden.
“Christian women from Nigeria are calling out to you, beckoning you to come and find rest for your souls.
“As we worship together, may we share each other’s burdens and find renewed strength in our unity.
“May each of us find belonging here, as we are united in the embrace of Christ’s love,” Fr. Thomas said.
Annie Murphy from the Catholic Church Council led the service, and invited Fr. Tony Swansson from the Anglican Church to read the opening prayer.
Ann Stallman from the Anglican Church read the scripture reading.
Kathy Hohns and Margaret Casey from the Uniting Church read Beatrice’s story of the burden of systematic oppression in Nigeria, and led intercessory prayers.
Margaret Eising and Ros Von Hoff from the Lutheran Church read Jato’s story of the burden of religious persecution in Nigeria, and led intercessory prayers.
Mick Santsingh and Jenny Sullivan from the Catholic Church read Blessing’s story of the burdens of poverty and despair, and led intercessory prayers.
A Nigerian guest speaker was not able to be sourced for the service, so Jenny Sullivan shared a thought-provoking message.
“During the 30 years he spent in Nazareth, Jesus lived among the ordinary people.
“He knew first-hand how burdensome life was for them,” she said.
“Consequently, he had sympathy for the ordinary people and wanted to lighten their burdens, hence his invitation ‘come to me all you who labour’.
“Many people accepted that invitation and came to him with their burdens of sickness and misery.
“All had their burdens lightened as a result of meeting him”.
A total of $756 was raised for the Bible Society based in Nigeria.
Next year, the World Day of Prayer movement celebrates 100 years, and the service has been written by the World Day of Prayer International Committee on the theme United in prayer for justice and peace.
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Pittsworth will host the service, and Brenda Prentice has received the handover of resources.
