Giving peace a chance: Catholic activists still going strong

Published: 2008-03-21

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In the pouring rain March 19, Franciscan Sister Marie Lucey addressed several dozen protesters at a rally near the White House, pleading for an end to U.S. involvement in the Iraq War. "Enough with the violence. Enough with the hatred in Iraq," she said, quoting an appeal Pope Benedict XVI made March 16 to end the war. The Washington rally was just one of several events held across the country that day to mark the fifth anniversary of the start of the U.S.-led military invasion of Iraq. About 1,000 protesters spread throughout Washington for a day of marches, rallies, sit-ins and blockades. Although the turnout was smaller than usual for Iraq War protests in Washington, similar events in Chicago, New York and San Francisco drew bigger crowds. But no matter how many people attended various peace rallies, Catholic activists who are involved said they are in it for the long haul.

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