Medina community members, St. Francis Xavier students observe National Day of Prayer

MEDINA — About 400 St. Francis Xavier Catholic School students, community members and some Medina church officials gathered Thursday morning to observe the National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people to pray for the nation. The day was first created in 1952 by a resolution of Congress and signed into law by former President Harry Truman. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden named Thursday as a National Day of Prayer. In his proclamation, Biden called upon citizens to give thanks and ask for continued guidance in accordance with their faith and conscience. For several years, St. Francis Xavier Church has collaborated with other Christian churches in Medina to take part in the National Day of Prayer. Each year, St. Francis Xavier Church hosts area churches and community members for the observance. "(It's) a day set aside that we all gather everybody across the United States to pray," St. Francis Xavier Church deacon Paul Kipfstuhl said. This year's National Day of Prayer theme, "Lift up the word, light up the world," was based on 2 Samuel 22:29-31. Thursday's service focused on what it means to be light. First graders from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School read passages and prayers. Reflections were shared by Kipfstuhl, the Rev. Arthur Ruffin of Second Baptist Church, the Rev. Kelly Aughenbaugh of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Henry Pearce of Medina Presbyterian Church and Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell. As each person spoke, they spoke about light from a different angle. Ruffin brought flashlights, showing attendees the importance of being a strong, bright light for others. "We are called to be light for each other," Kipfstuhl said. "So, that wherever we are, whoever we're with, people can know that we believe and follow Jesus Christ." Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or scrawford@medina-gazette.com.