By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COVINGTON - A call for peace with Iraq will be the centerpiece of a prayer service at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption Thursday night.

IF YOU GO

• What: Service of Prayer for Peace with Iraq • When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday • Where: Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1140 Madison Ave., Covington • Info: Event is free and open to the public. Call (859) 431-2060.

Father John W. Cahill said Monday that the prayer service would have no political overtones.

The goal, he said, is simply to allow people the opportunity to express their concerns - and say a prayer - that war between the United States and Iraq can be averted.

A similar event was held at the Cathedral Basilica in 1998 when tensions grew over the "no-fly" zone.

"It's simply a gathering of people, a nonpolitical event, to pray for peace," he said.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith or political affiliation.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon inches closer to war. Key U.S. Marine Corps and Army battle staffs are being transported to Kuwait.

And officials said this weekend that Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is poised to order additional germ-warfare protection for hundreds of thousands of troops.

"We just have a history of praying," Father Cahill said of the Basilica parish, "when there are important issues of peace."

Music will be provided by Anawim of Covington, under the direction of Margo Johnson.

E-mail toneill@enquirer.com