Hindu statesman Rajan Zed organizes multi-faith prayers & candlelight vigil for Pope Francis in Nevada

Feb 3:
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, religious leaders belonging to seriously diverse faiths, gathered together in Reno (Nevada, USA) today to hold a candlelight vigil and offered special prayers in their respective traditions for the full and swift recovery of Pope Francis hospitalized in Rome.

Organized by distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and hosted by Unity Minister Toni King; it included prayers from Christian (various denominations), Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Native American, Pagan traditions; in English, Spanish, Arabic, Sanskrit, Pali, Hebrew, Paiute languages.

An atheist thinker Anthony Shafton also shared his thoughts. World-renowned musician, Oscar Dallas Smith, delivered raga “Misra Shivarangini” on bansuri (ancient side-blown bamboo flute), evoking specific emotions among listeners at the Unity Center of Reno, where this multi-faith service was held. Indigenous Spirituality Exponent & Sundancer Savina V. Zuniga performed the ancient spiritual ritual of burning sage. Candles were also lit by diverse religious leaders on a columnar traditional Hindu temple lamp.

We, the leaders of various religions and denominations, are standing together as a single united spiritual family and praying for the protection of the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Pope Francis; and seek energy, peace and strength for him; so that he could continue to inspire millions worldwide and promote a more compassionate and inclusive society; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out.

Rajan Zed also urged religious leaders worldwide to keep Pope Francis in their thoughts, wishing him swift healing, so that he could continue furthering his ministry of building bridges of peace, championing oppressed and poor, freedom of religion, global outreach, interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, emphasizing shared values and the pursuit of the common good.

Besides Zed and King; others who prayed on the occasion included: Temple Sinai Rabbi Benjamin Zober, Zuniga, Ethnic Ministry Director of Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno Maripaz Ramos, Micheal L. Peterson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mona Sargent of Sparks United Methodist Church, Buddhist leader M. Edward Goddard, Baha’i teacher Roya Alizadeh Galata, Pagan leader Excolas Danae M. Miller, Cherie Shipley & band and harpist Kirsten Gleissner supported the vigil with their music.