It was a rare opportunity for the world's most multicultural city to bring its cultures together on a level deeper than ethnic food and costumes.
"We don't gather as such very often in Toronto," said the evening's principal organizer Fr. Damian Macpherson, director of the archdiocese of Toronto's Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs.
The Franciscan spirit behind Toronto's Assisi interfaith prayer service gave it universal appeal, said Zul Kassamali, president of the Toronto Area Interfaith Council.
"This great person of non-violence, St. Francis of Assisi, has meaning for more people than just Christians," he said.
"All the divine manifestations have declared the oneness of God and the unity of mankind," said Bahai Community of Toronto secretary Nancy Dinnigan-Prashad, quoting Abdu'l-Baha. "The oneness of humanity is the foundation of them all."
As Pope Benedict XVI prepared to continue the tradition of interfaith gatherings at Assisi begun by Pope John Paul II he preached on peace Oct. 26.
"The most precious contribution we can make to the cause of peace is that of prayer," said the Pope.
Formally known as the "Day of Reflection, Dialogue and Prayer for Peace and Justice in the World," Pope Benedict also gave the day the title of "Pilgrims of Truth, Pilgrims of Peace."
"We solemnly wish to renew (our commitment) — together with members of different religions and also with those who are non-believers but who sincerely seek the truth — to the advancement of the true good of humanity and for the building up of peace," the Pope said.
The first interfaith gathering for peace at Assisi was hosted by Pope John Paul II 25 years ago in 1986. Pope Benedict broadened the event for its 25th anniversary by inviting four atheist intellectuals.
Toronto shares in Assisi's peaceful spirit
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - In the hours before Pope Benedict XVI and world religious leaders gathered again at Assisi, in the name of St. Francis and in the name of peace, the Toronto Area Interfaith Council brought together Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Bahais, Zoroastrians, Protestants, Scientologists, First Nations and Roman Catholics to share songs, Scriptures and prayers dedicated to peace.
About 60 people were there Oct. 26 in the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity behind the Eaton Centre for an interfaith service that included chanted readings from the Koran, a prayer for peace attributed to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a passage from the First Letter of St. Peter and the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.
"May there be peace in the celestial bodies, may there be peace on this little planet, may there be peace among us, may there be peace within us," said Hindu Institute of Learning vice president Chander Khanna, translating from the Vedas.
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