Holy Father: Pray for Peace

This past Sunday, our Holy Father, Pope Francis issued a statement of concern. It is a plea for peace in Syria and the Middle East. He is a world religious leader and internationally recognized as having diplomatic relations with countries in the East and West. His global perspective is in the context of the Gospel and the ramifications of decisions made by world leaders.

Prayer & Fasting: There is a call for considered and specific prayer this Saturday, September 7. We are also asked to fast on Saturday; this would be the fast in the fashion of Ash Wednesday. The Parish will also have its regularly scheduled ‘Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament’ Friday, September 6, from 9:30 a.m - all through the day and night - until Saturday, September 7 at 7 a.m.

Look for more information on this and a message from Bishop Doherty in the coming issue of The Catholic Moment.

Pope Francis’ complete ‘Angelus’ talk is available online from the Vatican news service, News.va. Read full text.

Below are excerpts from the Holy Father's talk.

“I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me. How much suffering, how much devastation, how much pain has the use of arms carried in its wake in that martyred country, especially among civilians and the unarmed! I think of many children will not see the light of the future! With utmost firmness I condemn the use of chemical weapons: I tell you that those terrible images from recent days are burned into my mind and heart. There is a judgment of God and of history upon our actions which are inescapable! Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence"

“May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and be let themselves be led by the desire for peace."

“To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative.”