Operation Iraqi Freedom is still far from over, and the ensuing reconstruction of Iraq may present unforeseen obstacles, said the Rev. Peter Saporito.

For that reason, the call to prayer should continue to be answered, Saporito said.

"We will enter a phase that can be very frustrating as we watch the rebuilding of Iraq," Saporito said. "We can't be there to help the soldiers, but we can pray for them."

Wednesday evening's Mass for Soldiers for Peace was the third in a series of services at Our Lady of Pompeii to pray for peace and honor soldiers -- living and deceased -- who fought to free the Iraqi people.

The masses will continue until hostilities end and the troops return home safely.

Steven Bertonazzi is a familiar face among the pews. Bertonazzi has made an appearance at all three peace services and will continue to do so for their duration.

For Bertonazzi, it's preferable to beseech the Lord in the quiet solitude of a church and through individual prayer than by taking to the streets in protest.

"The best thing to do is pray to God," said Bertonazzi, 27. of Vineland. "Yelling in the streets doesn't do any good."

Fellow parishioners Maria Sopranzetti, 65, and Ann Passarelli, 75, agree prayer was largely responsible for the troops' recent successes in Iraq with minimal casualties.

"It's all because of prayer," Passarelli said.

"(God) never left us alone," Sopranzetti added.

Jean Bertonazzi, Steven's aunt, attended in the full spirit of Lent, which culminates Sunday with Easter.

"For me, being here is all part of the Lenten sacrifice and penance," she said.

Bertonazzi's sacrifice bore a reward.

All attendees walked away with hyacinth flowers in myriad colors. Saporito directed parishioners to plant the flowers, donated by the church, as symbols of peace in memory of those who died serving their country.