PANAJI
President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has appealed for prayers, penance and solidarity in churches across India, seeking peace and safety for all affected by unrest and conflict in the Middle East.
In a message to all archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, catechists and lay faithful of the Latin Catholic Church in India, Cardinal Ferrão said the suffering caused by war and instability deeply wounds the human family.
“We are especially mindful that many of our sisters and brothers from India are living and working in various countries of the Middle East,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
“Many of them support their families from afar and contribute generously both to the life of the Church and to our nation. In this hour of uncertainty, we commend them in a special way to the Lord's protection, praying for their safety, security and well-being.”
Stating that these days have been marked by growing unrest and violence in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the recent escalation of hostilities involving Iran and neighbouring countries, Cardinal Ferrão has earnestly invited the entire Latin Church in India to unite in prayer and supplication for peace.
“I encourage all of you to observe Sunday, March 8, as a Day of Prayer for Peace. Please offer special prayers for peace in the Middle East, especially during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Special intentions may be included in the Prayer of the Faithful for the cessation of hostilities, for the protection of innocent lives and for wisdom and restraint among world leaders.”
“Furthermore, I invite all the people of God to offer a Holy Rosary exclusively for peace each day from March 8 to March 14. United in this powerful Marian devotion, we shall implore the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, for reconciliation, dialogue and a just resolution to the present tensions.”
Cardinal Ferrão has also encouraged everyone to observe a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, March 13, offering their sacrifice for world peace and for the safety of all those affected by violence and conflict.
“May our collective prayer, penance and solidarity become a humble yet fervent plea before Almighty God, that hearts may be converted, hostilities may cease and peace may prevail. We are called to entrust this critical moment to the mercy of God, who alone is our true and lasting peace,” he added.
