Catholics pray for peace, forgiveness in Paris

Catholics gathered Sunday at cathedrals in Manhattan and on Long Island to pray for those suffering in Paris, and to seek guidance from religious leaders at a time when feelings of forgiveness and mercy could be difficult to muster.

At the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, the Rev. A.R. Bernard in a prayer with his thousands of congregants yesterday said of Parisians, "Today we are united in their suffering, understanding what it means to have such disruption of life ... that is only intended to spread fear in the hearts of people."

The megachurch pastor added, "But where there is faith and perfect love, fear is cast out."

Msgr. Robert Ritchie of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan mourned the "apocalyptic" attacks and told worshippers the plan of man must be differentiated from the plan of God.

Ritchie asked those listening to the homily to "have hearts that are like Jesus, that do not hate ... that work for the defense of human life."

He said Christians and others must "be good to those who hurt and persecute you."

Ritchie, the rector of St. Patrick's, noted that the French were the first ally of the Americans against the British in the Revolutionary War.

"Today we should say, God bless France or viva la France," he said, and pray for "our brothers and sisters who are suffering in the City of Lights."

Roumanos Touma, 25, was visiting from Sydney, Australia, and came to pray at St. Patrick's for the victims.

"We're praying for peace," Touma said. "It's all about peace ... As Christians, we can't retaliate ... We should leave it in God's hands."

For some New York Catholics, the tragedy in France brought back memories of the 9/11 attacks.

"I think some of us are reliving that," Elizabeth Katz, of Long Island, said. She sings in the choir at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre and carried a scarf covered with the word "Paris" to show her solidarity with France.