A venerable Who’s Who greeting unfolded at the doorsteps of the Church of the Holy Family on the evening of Monday, September 8, 2025, as representatives from every corner of the earth gathered in perfect early fall weather for the annual United Nations Prayer Service marking the opening of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, world leaders will gather at UN Headquarters in New York for the formal opening ceremony, uniting to tackle urgent global issues under the inspiring theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
A Global Congregation in Sacred Unity
The Church of the Holy Family, serving as The United Nations Parish, was filled to capacity as the early fall evening service drew attendees dressed in the ceremonial robes of their respective nations, creating a vibrant tapestry of global representation within the sacred walls. The event took the form of Vespers for the Memorial of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously offered by the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.
Distinguished Leadership and Ceremony
The solemn procession was led by His Excellency, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. The service was officiated by His Excellency Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop for the Military Services, USA. The Reverend Monsignor Douglas Mathers, Pastor of the Parish, extended a warm welcome to the international assembly, while The Reverend Monsignor Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, provided the formal introduction.
A United Call for Peace Over War
Opening remarks were delivered by two prominent diplomatic figures: His Excellency, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Her Excellency, Mrs. Annalena Baerbock, President-elect of the Eightieth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, representing Germany. Both leaders spoke passionately on the paramount importance of peace above war, emphasizing the sacred responsibility of the international community to pursue dialogue and reconciliation over conflict and division.
A Call for Truth and Integrity
Archbishop Broglio offered a profound and riveting reflection focusing on the critical importance of truthfulness and facts, and how the international community must conduct itself in their absence. His words resonated deeply within the church walls, touching the hearts not only of assembled diplomats, representatives, and VIPs as they prepare for another session of global cooperation and dialogue but also the greater public attendees.
Intercessions & Prayers in Six Languages
The intercessions proved particularly moving, with the Officiant introducing the petitions by stating, “Lord, we humbly come before you with our needs and the concerns of the whole world.” The prayers were then offered in all six official languages of the United Nations: Spanish, Chinese, French, Russian, Arabic, and English, symbolizing the unity of diverse nations in common purpose.
Heavenly Music for Earthly Unity
The entire service of Vespers was elevated by the heavenly voices of the Schola Cantorum of St. Vincent Ferrer, under the direction of James D. Wetzel, Director of Music and Organist from the Dominican Parish of St. Vincent and St. Catherine of Siena. Their ethereal performance seemed to lift both toward the heavens and touch the hearts of every attendee.
A Personal Touch of Diplomacy
Following the service, the Nuncio and Archbishop Broglio greeted all attendees at the doorsteps of the church, in an approachable, open manner, shaking hands and engaging personally with the international community gathered. This gesture of accessibility and warmth underscored the evening’s message of unity and shared purpose.
As the 80th Session of the General Assembly officially begins, this revered, early tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual foundation underlying the United Nations’ mission of international peace and cooperation, with the evening’s unified message of choosing peace over war echoing through the halls of diplomacy.
The author ends with the particularly poignant words of the Chinese petition:
“For the development of all peoples and nations, for solidarity with those who suffer from hunger, poverty, illness, or lack of education, health care, or opportunity: that cooperation among governments, civil society, and faith-based organizations may bear fruit. For the Second World Social Summit, and in this anniversary year, that space may be given to the voices of young people to achieve a better world for all.”
Chinese petition, United Nations Prayer Service marking the opening of the 80th Session of the General Assembly
This report was written by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin, Associate Professor and U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist (2024). As a columnist for Stankevicius, she regularly writes on Nicomachean Ethics: Insights at the Intersection of AI and Education. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
