Father Dennis Nikolic prayed for peace.

It was, he told American Catholic Tribune, a “prayer of deliverance,” calling for an end to all violence and a return to the ways of God.

Nikolic, the pastor of the Church of St. Joseph in Middletown, New York, delivered the prayer at a Eucharistic procession and patriotic rosary on Oct. 7. The event drew 135 people, Nikolic said. Bishop Gerardo Colacicco asked him to organize it for his deanery in Orange County, and he was glad to respond.

Nikolic gave the benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. Father Sean Connolly and Father Paul Waddell, a visiting priest, led the rosary and assisted with the procession. The Evangelizing Sisters of Mary sang hymns.

The processions and rallies that have been held across the country this summer and fall were sparked by events In Wisconsin in the wake of demonstrations that turned violent at times. In response, a Eucharistic procession was held June 14 in Madison, Wisconsin, that drew about 300 people.

A pair of Wisconsin men, Kevin O’Brien and Patrick Ciriacks, were inspired to form a group originally called Unite Wisconsin. After finding great interest across the nation, they changed it to Unite Our Nation.

A larger Eucharistic procession and patriotic rally Aug. 15 in Madison drew about 3,000 people. Dozens more Unite Our Nation events soon were organized.

Unite Our Nation was formed to help bring peace and prayer to local communities and offer healing to the nation.

“We are passionately patriotic, with a deeply rooted love for America,” the group states on its website. “We believe in the power of the Eucharist and the serenity of the rosary. In unison with our bishops and priests, we help the faithful plan processions throughout our country, as America.”

Nikolic said the message is one people have been longing to hear, adding, “I think this is something that is needed at this time in light of the upcoming election and in light of the unrest in this world.” 

It started with prayers and a blessing in the church, followed by an outdoor procession. Nikolic said although Unite Our Nation events are strictly nonpartisan, they are being held in concert with the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Catholics are praying God will have his will be known and done, he said. A major issue in the election for Catholics is abortion, Nikolic said.

“The position of the Catholic Church is we respect all life and all lives, even the unborn,” he said. 

The goal of these events is to guide people to a life of peace and prayer, said Nikolic, who has been a priest for 18 years. He said he prayed for peace, harmony, an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and a time of healing. It was part of a bigger effort nationally, with an even larger purpose.