On a Monday gathering hosted at Santo Domingo’s National Palace, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has called on the nation’s population to mark a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, uniting leaders from diverse religious denominations and senior public officials for a collective act of faith. Joined on the occasion by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, the president outlined that the nationwide initiative was designed to reinforce shared faith and collective hope across the country, while the gathering centered prayers for wisdom, lasting peace, and divine protection for the Dominican Republic and its people.
Beyond prayers for the nation as a whole, Abinader directed special intercessions toward Dominican families navigating serious illness and economic hardship, as well as vulnerable groups including young people, senior citizens, and all communities facing unmet needs. In his opening remarks to attendees, the president stressed that the commemorative day should extend far beyond symbolic prayer, framing it as a catalyst for a broader national commitment to community service, cross-group solidarity, and tangible action to lift up fellow citizens. He urged every participant to leave the National Palace gathering with a renewed dedication to listening to others, offering support, extending forgiveness, and prioritizing service to communities across the country.
During the interfaith service, Monsignor Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán, coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, led prayers focused on the protection of the nation, its households, and all people grappling with illness and hardship. He also asked for guidance and sound judgment for all of the country’s elected and appointed national leaders. Julio Morales, national superintendent of the Dominican Council of Assemblies of God, characterized the cross-denominational gathering at the presidential palace as a historic milestone for the nation. He commended President Abinader for his work bringing together representatives of differing Christian traditions and broader societal sectors to lift up collective prayers for the Dominican Republic’s future.
As part of the nationwide initiative, public servants working across dozens of government agencies also held dedicated prayer sessions from their individual office locations, expanding the observance beyond the central gathering at the National Palace. Organizers noted that the overarching goal of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is to foster greater national unity, renewed collective hope, and stronger cross-community solidarity among all residents of the Dominican Republic.