Bishop Walkowiak encourages the faithful of the Diocese of Grand Rapids to respond to the invitation of Pope Francis who has called for “everyone to take part” in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world on Oct. 7.
The day after Israeli troops crossed the border into Lebanon and Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel — seen as significant escalations of the conflict in the Middle East — Pope Francis in his homily called on all people to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peace Oct. 7, marking one year since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. (Source: USCCB News release, Oct. 2)
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has urged the importance of “prayer, fasting and penance” for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. The cardinal published a prayer for peace which he has asked Catholics to pray along with the rosary during the Marian month of October. (Source: CNA/EWTN, Oct. 2)
U.S. bishops’ president calls on fervent prayer to open pathway to peace |
Read Archbishop Broglio’s letter to his brother bishops (USCCB, Oct. 3)
Please continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land and in all places in the world where unrest and violence are taking place.
Public Prayer in Parishes on Oct. 7
Basilica of St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids – Votive Mass for peace at 5:15 p.m. followed by a rosary for peace at
5:45/6 p.m.
St. Joseph the Worker, Wyoming – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. followed by Mass at
7 p.m.
St. Mary, Marne – 7 p.m. rosary and silent prayer service
Also read:
Pope Francis calls for global day of prayer, fasting amid escalating conflict in Holy Land (CNA, Oct. 2)
Pope Francis calls for Oct. 7 to be a day of prayer and fasting for peace (Vatican News, Oct. 2)
