Sr. Amelia Stenger, OSU, the first woman to serve as the superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Owensboro, is seen in this undated photo that had been originally published in Owensboro Catholic High School’s Newsline. COURTESY OF ARCHIVES
Space for peace and healing: Diocese hosts Taizé prayer service
BY RACHEL HALL, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the community gathered at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro for an ecumenical prayer service dedicated to the protection and healing of victims of sexual abuse.
For the last several years, this annual prayer service has focused on the Taizé prayer’s meditative form of worship. It was developed during World War II by a French Christian community, centered on Christ’s life, and uses chanting, scripture and song. This form of prayer invites you to slow down, to listen, and to rest quietly in the presence of God.
The cathedral’s evening lights were dimmed, and candles lit around the altar in the shape of a cross.
“In a world filled with noise and distraction, this silence is not empty – it is a space where God speaks gently to us,” began Heather Greene, director of music for Diocese of Owensboro, at the beginning of the service.
Presided by Bishop William F. Medley the evening included scripture, a homily with Bishop Medley’s reflection on “peace be with you,” prayers of intercession, and extended silence. The music was carefully curated to mirror the tradition of chanting, creating an atmosphere that was both meditative and deeply prayerful.
Also in her introduction, Greene invited people to engage in service in whatever way was most natural for them, “through singing, through listening, through stillness. Let this be a time to lay down burdens, to be present, and to encounter the peace of Christ.”
This event is sponsored by the Diocese of Owensboro’s Office of Safe Environment. For those unable to attend, the service is livestreamed annually through St. Stephen Cathedral YouTube page.
The Church remains committed to safeguarding the vulnerable. For more information on these efforts and for available resources please visit owensborodiocese.org/safe.
Originally printed in the May 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
