Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace

Catholics are once again coming together in a solemn day of prayer and fasting to seek peace and reconciliation in the midst of ongoing turmoil in Israel. Pope Francis has answered this call, inviting individuals of all faiths to join hands in this vital endeavor.

Photo credit: geralt

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
10/19/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Middle East

Keywords: Pope Francis, Day of Prayer, Peace, Fasting, Reconciliation, Israel-Hamas War

As Catholics worldwide joined in a day of prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land, the call for unity in the name of peace grows even stronger. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has announced a forthcoming day of prayer and fasting to continue the pursuit of peace amidst the Israel-Hamas war.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Catholic patriarch of Jerusalem, initiated the recent day of prayer and fasting, urging Catholics to devote time to prayer with Eucharistic adoration and recitation of the rosary. He emphasized the importance of delivering their collective thirst for peace, justice, and reconciliation to God.

Pope Francis, extending this call for prayer, has declared another day of fasting and prayer scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27. This day will be marked as a day of penance, and the invitation extends not only to Catholics but to individuals of all Christian denominations and other religions. The Holy Father encourages everyone who shares a commitment to the cause of peace in the world to participate as they see fit.

The central event of this day of prayer and fasting will be a prayer vigil at St. Peter's Basilica, set to begin at 6 p.m. During this hour of prayer, the faithful will join Pope Francis in seeking divine intervention for peace. This gathering is not limited to Catholics alone but welcomes individuals from various faiths who share the common aspiration for global peace.

It is important to see religious leaders from different denominations uniting in the pursuit of peace. The call for prayer and fasting transcends religious boundaries and invites individuals worldwide to contribute to the cause of reconciliation and harmony.

As the Israel-Hamas war continues to impact countless lives, the power of collective prayer and fasting takes center stage. It is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, the hope for peace unites us all. In the face of suffering and strife, the global community's prayers, united in faith, hold the promise of a brighter, more peaceful future.