With the American celebration of Thanksgiving approaching this week, many Bermudians will be celebrating as well, particularly after a truly challenging year for many in our society.

Bermuda has been faced with many challenges, from escalating gang violence, to a suffering world economy, and what was supposed to be a Class 5 hurricane thrown in for good measure.

In light of all these things, particularly the unity seen after Hurricane Igor, a group of Christians from a broad cross-section of the Island's churches has come together to give thanks to God for His continued blessings and protection throughout this remarkable year.

Under the leadership of Elder Kevin Santucci, from the Devonshire Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and with the wise counsel of Bishop Lloyd Duncan, Administrative Bishop for the New Testament Church of God, they have developed a committee for the establishment of the National Day of Reflection and Thanksgiving.

Elder Santucci said: "When Hurricane Igor came, Bermuda went into a mode of prayer. I saw such a harmony that I hadn't seen since Hurricane Fabian – it was quite phenomenal."

On the day of hurricane, September 19, Elder Santucci was called in to Bermuda Broadcasting to cover morning programming for FM 105, but before his first hour was finished, he asked if he could make some changes, just for that day, and he began inviting pastors from across the island to join him in a live prayer vigil. Three pastors joined him to pray at set times and for specific requests – Rev. Pedro Castro of Vernon Temple AME prayed for families, Pastor Terrence Stovell of Better Covenant Christian Fellowship prayed for the storm to reduce in strength, and Bishop Duncan prayed that, "That the Lord keep us safe," while Elder Santucci prayed that God would shelter Bermuda from the storm.

"We cannot overlook the fact that God watched over our Island," Elder Santucci shared.

Lessons learned from Hurricane Fabian have brought excellent levels of precautionary measures in the face of storms, but as Elder Santucci added, "We've failed to do one thing – give thanks to God ... We believe we ought to give thanks."

The culmination will be a special service to be held on Saturday, November 27 at 3.30pm at Victoria Park, a service that was originally suggested to Elder Santucci in a passing meeting with friend, Hope Lowe, one week after Igor.

Key speaker for the event will be Pastor Terrence Stovell, and Premier Paula Cox will also be sharing at the event, along with inspirational worship and special music. The public at large are encourage to attend.

"(When we look at the past), in periods of unrest, programmes like this have brought communities together," Elder Santucci said. "Let us pull together, let us work together, that Bermuda will be blessed together."