MARQUETTE -- On Friday, women around the globe participated in World Day of Prayer. It's celebrated by Christian women on the first Friday of March.

Every year a different country is selected in which to focus; this year France was picked.

France chose the theme "I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me."

Church Women United of Marquette's guest speaker, Valerie Holliday, discussed her difficult move into the Upper Peninsula. Holliday also mentioned the emotional moment her mother-in-law asked her to become a part of the Christian faith.

"I'm very grateful for her taking a risk on supporting me in that way," expressed Holliday. "The fact that she was willing to support me in that way meant a great deal to me."

The World Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 170 countries and regions.