Concerns over the safety of Cincinnati cut the numbers of those who prayed on the steps of Holy Cross Immaculata Church in Mount Adams today. Those who did participate in the 142-year-old tradition said they felt their prayers were particularly needed.

Jeff Briede of Delhi prays at the top of the steps. (Glenn Hartong photos) | ZOOM |

        The midnight blessing of the steps was canceled because of the curfew and Rev. Stanley Neiheisel said he knew of no other time the observance had to be called off. Hours were limited by the 8 p.m. - 6 a.m. curfew as well.

        “I've had a number of "Is it safe to come?' calls,” Rev. Neiheisel said.

        One woman who had prayed the steps for 50 years was almost in tears, he said.

        But others came out Friday, rosaries in hand, believing that the city needed their prayers now more than ever.

        “I just hope the Lord hears us,” said Amberley Village resident Dottie Staat, who has been climbing the steps for more than a half-century. “I know he will.”

Worshippers climb the steps. | ZOOM |

        Sharon Mithu of Northside, walking alongside Ms. Staat, said she was praying for peace worldwide “between blacks, whites, Hispanics.”

        “It's not about race or creed,” she said.

        Not on the steps anyway. After all, Ms. Staat is white and Ms. Mithu is black. One is Catholic; the other is not.

        They didn't know each other before meeting on the steps.

        “We spoke at the bottom and we became friends,” Ms. Staat said.

        They were like many on the steps they were weary of the racial tension.

        Bonnie Beal, 54, of Colerain Township, said she was praying for people to come together - “that there be no color.”

        Her daughter, Lia Schute of Peach Grove, looked at her own child, 6-year-old Emily, when she considered the city's tension.

        “The children should be our first priority,” she said. “That's what I'm praying for - that all kids come together.”

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