REPORT ON THE 40 HOUR FAST AND PRAYER EVENT.

Written December 7, 2001

Two weeks after the event, the principle organisers of the Legion of Mary 40 Hour Fast for Peace and Deliverance, held from November 23 – 25, are still amazed at the interest the event produced. Notwithstanding the short notice and minimal advertising, almost 500 people pledged their prayers for the intentions of the Fast and over half of these also fasted.

“The 40 Hour Fast was a great success” stated WA President Catherine Colace, who was particularly grateful for the 40 or so non Western Australians who decided to participate. Among these were some 20 from the United States, who learned of the event via the Internet. Rita Smith from the United States said, “Thank you for emailing this request of Prayer and Fasting Internationally!” pledging to fast on water alone and offering her daily Mass. Veronica Boast from Adelaide sent in an email after the Fast stating, “I have never before achieved a 40 hour fast - it had to be through the grace of God that I managed it this time.”

And grace is what achieved such a heartfelt response. Together with clergy from Western Australia, religious such as the Ursuline and Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate, and the community of the Conventual Sisters of St. Dominic, Ganmain N.S.W. also joined in, fasting and offering their prayers and adoration. Over the 40 hours, participants offered more than 1,000 rosaries. Age wasn’t an obstacle to participation with children and more senior members of the Church participating. “Some of the most eager participants were in their eighties and any one who sees little value in our senior citizens needs to reassess what they base their judgment on” said one participant.

For Catholic teacher Micheline Van der Beken the event was an opportunity for community, and the scheduled events ensured that this was maintained. “The main feeling that stayed with me throughout the week-end was a sense of togetherness. Whatever I did my husband was willing to do with me. People who are nothing to me became closer because they were hungry with me. Of the two commandments Jesus has left us "Love God with all your heart and love each other as I have loved you", we often tend to forget the second. But in the end, I think there is no such thing as getting closer to God without others being involved in the process.”

The Legion of Mary organisers wish to convey their heartfelt thanks to all participants and pray that future fasts will be met with even more enthusiasm by the Catholic faithful and people of good will, on a local, national and international scale. “This fast is only the beginning,” said a member of the Legion in Perth. “Peace, conversion of hearts and deliverance from evil will not come about through war and rhetoric but through the persistent and humble prayers and sacrifices of ordinary people.” For more information on how you can participate in future fast and prayer events, please contact the Legion of Mary headquarters.