Weekly MultiFaith Vigil 

Cumberland County Jail & ICE Detention Center

If you are moved, we welcome you to join us for a weekly MultiFaith Prayer Vigil

Details

  • Timing: Weekly on Wednesdays from 2:45-3:15 (arrive between 2:30-2:45)

  • Location: The intersection of County Way & Congress Street in Portland, ME 

    • GPS: You can put 1004 Congress St. or simply County Way in Portland 

    • Once you turn onto County Way, take the first right into the parking lot - park there.

  • What to Expect: 

    • 2:30 arrive, park, gather in front of the County Jail sign

    • 2:40 group introductions

    • 2:45 - 3:15 Vigil led by rotating MultiFaith Clergy

      • Opening Circle

      • Singing and Silent Prayer* 

      • Closing Circle  

 This vigil IS an intentional spiritual gathering. Our intention is to gather as a community to pray, sing and send compassion and loving energy to heal the hearts and divides of all caught up in the system of injustice and ICE, including those detained as well as those working within the system. We are here to affirm what we stand for and provide support.

This vigil IS NOT a protest. This vigil does not make specific political statements. We are bringing spiritual intention to a complex and hurting system and the people within it during a complex time. Political/protest/divisive signs, chants, songs and language are not appropriate at the vigil. We do not share what we are against but rather what we are for. 

*Who is Welcome
All who feel connected to the intention of this gathering are welcome. We are comprised of many different faith backgrounds including Unitarian Universalist, Christian, Jewish, Quaker, Interfaith/Interspiritual and more. You will be invited to sing songs of peace and also to be in silent prayer which can take whatever form of “prayer” feels good for you.

What to Bring

  • Anything that helps you to be in your version of a prayerful space such as mala or rosary beads, a prayer shawl, a pocket-sized crystal or grounding rock, etc. 

  • Signs are welcome but not required. We have a banner that identifies us and states our purpose (“We pray for all who pass this way”). But you are welcome to bring signs with messaging that are supportive and affirming for all. For example:

    • We pray for all that pass this way. 

    • We affirm the dignity and worth of ALL people.

    • May all be free from suffering.

    • May YOU be free from suffering. 

    • May the divides between us fall away.

    • All are worthy of safety and love.

    • Choose love over fear. 

  • Signs that are not appropriate for this: anti-ICE, resistance or protest signs. You will be asked to put these signs away.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you at a Vigil if the vision speaks to you.