BANGOR – An interfaith Vespers service with a focus on prayers for peace will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor.

Vespers, from the Latin meaning evening, traditionally refers to the sixth of the seven canonical hours. Canonical hours are ancient divisions of time developed by the Christian Church, which serve as increments between prayer. Variations of the prayer-time intervals also exist in Muslim and Jewish traditions and probably grew from the early Jewish practice of reciting prayers at set times of the day.

From the traditional Christian Vespers, the term has come to be used more broadly for various evening services, to include congregational hymn singing, readings and periods of silence for meditation and contemplation.

The service on Sunday involves many local faith traditions including Catholic, Muslim, Protestant and Jewish, reflecting the universality of the human yearning for peace. Musicians from the Bangor area will present various choral and instrumental works.

The St. John’s Youth Choir, made up of pupils from grades one through eight, also is involved in the project and is preparing a musical offering as well as being involved in a written project designed to help them explore the concepts of peace. The singers are working on identifying obstacles to peace as well as processes that could enhance peace in their lives, communities and the world at large.

The event is open to the public and offers a time and space to pray and reflect on opportunities for peace. Musical offerings will be interspersed with readings, petitions and time for reflection.