Crowds gather for prayer service at Oakwood Beach to promote peace

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The solution to violence on the streets varies depending on who you talk to, but some parishioners found hope in an outdoor church at sunrise on Saturday.

Some parishioners are taking a try at stopping the violence with prayer and their sunrise solution came from right here at Oakwood Beach.

The backdrop for the Mass procession was the city skyline along the waterfront.

For six years the Black Catholic deacons of the Archdiocese of Chicago have organized this sunrise prayer service and Mass.

"There's so much violence in the world, we have our parishioners come out to come and pray," said Deacon William J. Pouncy.

Hundreds of people from all faiths showed up Saturday morning to do just that.

"I'm hoping these young people will see us and realize we are praying that they put their guns down and stop all this killing," said Evelyn Lee, St. Kilian Parish.

Archbishop Blase Cupich said the sunrise offers hope that there is always an end to darkness.

"We've almost had 300 people suffer from homicide in this city and a lot of victims out there, but it's also something that spreads across the whole community leaving a lot of people hopeless," Cupich said.

The archbishop spoke at the Mass and he gave a blessing at the end.

Attendees came for all different reasons. The loss one woman's son 20-years ago pushed her to come for solace.

"It's just kind of rough even after all these years," Gloria Moore said. "I guess the hardest part for me is what's going on now."

Prayer might seem an unlikely weapon against gun violence, but these parishioners aren't giving up on saving their younger generation.

Cupich to don 'pallium' at Sunday ceremony

Sunday is a big day for Archbishop Cupich. He will finally put on the "pallium" at a special ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral.

The special garment was given to him by Pope Francis back in June when he visited Rome.

The woolen garment signifies leadership and unity with the pope.