National Prayer Breakfast: Priest urges businessmen and politicians in Peru to bring peace to families

On Thursday, leaders from various sectors met in Lima, the capital of Peru, to participate in the National Prayer Breakfast 2024 (DNO), an ecumenical event that for 29 years has sought to unite hearts in prayer for the well-being of the country.

The event took place on November 21 at 8 in the morning at the José Antonio Deluxe Hotel, located in the Miraflores district. Nearly 300 political, business, religious and union leaders from the country attended the event. There was also the participation of lay people belonging to prayer groups of the María Reina parish.

During the event, attendees reflected on the Holy Scriptures, sang the National Anthem and shared experiences that inspired them to strengthen an active faith, based on works, unity and promotion of peace. One of the highlights was the participation of Olympic medalist Stefano Peschiera, who led a special emotional prayer for the country.

A call for peace from the family and in the fields they lead

The central message of peace and unity was delivered by Father Omar Sánchez, founder of the Association of the Beatitudes, recognized for his tireless work in favor of those most in need. His intervention resonated deeply with those present, reinforcing the commitment to work together for a more just and supportive Peru.

In his message, the priest stressed that peace has a deep and essential origin: “It is born in the heart.”

He added firmly: “That peace, however, is only found in God. As Saint Augustine says: ‘The heart rests only in God.’ “There is no other place where we can truly find true peace.”

He also urged those present to “first bring this experience to their families, to their closest environments.” “But I also hope that they apply it in their own areas: politicians in their political environment and businessmen in their business environment.”

Peace, he stated in an interview with ACI Prensa on the same Thursday, is intrinsically linked to solidarity and justice. “Without justice, there can be no peace. It is time to build a fairer world, a fairer Peru. This event should be a call to prayer for our country, because we still face many conflicts and turbulent situations that we must combat.”

He concluded by underscoring the importance of prayer: “It is not only necessary; It is essential. Without prayer, we will destroy ourselves as a country and as humanity. If we pray, there is hope of salvation for everyone.”

Likewise, he regretted that many have left prayer aside, believing that only actions are enough: “It is essential to do good, but those actions must be born from prayer. Otherwise, they become simple activism, without faith or transcendental meaning. Therefore, it is crucial to pray.”

The importance of the National Prayer Breakfast

The first DNO was celebrated on October 31, 1996 and, since then, it has been an annual space to invoke divine guidance for the country’s leaders. Although the pandemic forced it to be held virtually, this year it resumed its in-person format, strengthening its main purpose: to pray for peace and the hearts of those who have the destiny of Peru in their hands.

Álvaro Dammert, member of the DNO Organizing Committee, explained in an interview with ACI Prensa that this ecumenical event had its beginnings in the United States during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and since then it has spread throughout Latin America and the world.

“What we do at breakfast is pray for our leaders, because when the leader’s heart really opens and he is directed towards the teachings of Jesus, the rest flows smoothly, whether in politicians, businessmen, union leaders. , family and institutional. “We want to reach them so that our country follows the teachings of Jesus,” he said.

Finally, Dammert also shared his gratitude for the impact the 2024 event can have, stating: “For us, simply after breakfast, if just one person is touched by God, that is more than enough for us. That’s wonderful.”