National Day of Prayer Unites Downtown San Antonio
Photos by Jonathan Guajardo - Editor, SA Sentinel.
May 2, 2019 - Main Plaza, Downtown San Antonio
Article By: Jonathan Guajardo - Editor, SA Sentinel
With the clouds hanging low and thick over the center of downtown, impassioned speeches echoed throughout the surrounding skyscrapers, beckoning the rains of change to fall upon the Alamo City. Hundreds of people crowded towards the front of Main Plaza, minutes after the City Council A-Session had just let out. Hymns and songs of worship filled the air whilst believers raised their hands towards the sky to give praise to The Lord in front of the Municipal Plaza building and San Fernando Cathedral, considered by many to be the central hub of Catholicism in San Antonio.
Greg Brockhouse speaks at the National Day of Prayer. (Photo by GA Media Productions.)
In attendance at the gathering were various city officials including Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 6 Councilman/Mayoral Candidate Greg Brockhouse. “It’s just a chance to have a conversation with God. That’s why I love coming down here and sharing it with a lot of people who fill The Spirit and it’s just a great environment,” stated Brockhouse. “I think it’s wonderful. It’s a great opportunity. All faiths all denominations, people just getting together, having a conversation with God. It’s good stuff!”
Patrick Von Dohlen, Greg Brockhouse, and Trevor Whitney (Left to Right) pray in Main Plaza while attendees place their hands upon them. (Photo by GA Media Productions.)
According to the hosting organization’s website, “The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.”
Johnny Arrendondo, candidate for District 1, also was in attendance at the gathering Thursday afternoon and described the importance of religion in his life. “Church has always been a part of my life and my family’s life,” stated Arredondo. “I know how important prayer is for a city and its people to be lifted up.”
Attendees pray together at Wednesday’s gathering. (Photo by GA Media Productions.)
Patrick Von Dohlen, candidate for District 9, attended the rally as well. “I try to center my life on God and he gives me not only purpose, but objectivity and a course to following how I treat people and making sure we treat each and every individual with great dignity and respect because they’re made in his image and likeness,” said Von Dohlen. “National Day of Prayer commemorates how this nation was founded, on prayer and a belief in God.”
Although the rains never alighted upon the crowds gathered downtown, the rally nonetheless united those in attendance and, on several occasions, brought them to tears. While the speakers orated about uniting the city, school children bowed their heads and believers of various faiths prayed together for their community which will soon be undergoing a changing of the guard with Saturday’s upcoming municipal election.