In observance of the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding, Niagara University’s Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement partnered with Community Missions Inc. to host an interfaith community prayer service for mental illness recovery and understanding on Oct. 4 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Niagara Falls. The service is a part of National Mental Illness Awareness Week.
“Niagara University and the Levesque Institute are pleased to partner with Community Missions in hosting this year’s interfaith prayer service for the National Day of Prayer,” said Karen Kwandrans, Ed.D., NU’s associate vice president for Strategic and External Relations. “Mental illness affects millions of Americans, directly or indirectly. That’s why events like this one are crucial in raising awareness of mental illness, fighting discrimination, and providing support to those experiencing a mental health condition as well as their family and friends.”
In addition to Dr. Kwandrans, the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president, and Michael Rogers, NU’s director of Campus Ministry, joined area leaders from various faith traditions, including Native American, Sikh, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian, to share readings, prayers, and music during the event.