The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has called for a day of prayer and fasting on Tuesday,October 17, for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
He has written this prayer for peace:
O God the creator of all life
We bring before you all the people who call Israel and Palestine home. We particularly remember those living in Jerusalem and Gaza whose lives are marred by restrictions to their freedom, the threat of eviction from their homes and the constant fear of armed conflict.
We ask your forgiveness for the anger, hatred, and violence that all of us have the potential to carry within us.
We beseech you to soften hearts and open minds so that the sanctity of life is always protected, the right to freedom of worship upheld and the security of a safe home defended.
We pray that justice will flow like rivers. That human dignity will be respected and, that each of us may strive to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen
Statement by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President,
to the Catholic Faithful in Canada
on the Recent Escalation of Conflict in the Holy Land
Over these last few days, the world has witnessed a rapid escalation of armed conflict in the Holy Land, with reports of a growing number of wounded or dead, including innocent civilians.
As the Holy Land is immersed in this violence and bloodshed, we remember that Jesus, the Son of God, who lived and walked there as Love Incarnate, through His teaching by word and deed, calls us as brothers and sisters to be always united by the bond of charity. I invite the Catholic faithful in Canada to join other people of good will, here and around the world, in imploring God to move the hearts of those leaders engaged in the present conflict in order to deescalate the acts of terrorism, cease violence and war, and resume constructive efforts that are aimed at establishing lasting peace and concord. As we pray for peace, let us remember all the families and individuals suffering because of this most recent outbreak of violence.
As Christians we are compelled by the teachings and example of Jesus to pray for peace throughout the world. In a fraternal spirit of solidarity with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim brothers and sisters, let us join together in recalling God’s desire for peace in the land that Jesus Christ called home.
12 October 2023