PANAJI
Responding to an invitation from Pope Leo, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has appealed to all faithful, clergy, religious, and people of goodwill in the country to observe a solemn day of prayer and fasting on Friday for world peace.
In a message to all members of the CBCI, clergy, religious, and faithful in India, and all people of goodwill, CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath stated: “As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 22, I wish to draw your attention to a solemn call from the Holy Father.”
“Our world is currently grappling with the devastating effects of war, violence, and hatred. The cries of the poor and the innocent rise unceasingly.”
“In response to this grave situation, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, has invited the entire Universal Church to dedicate this special feast day to prayer, fasting, and penance. We are called to humbly implore God to grant lasting peace to the world and to enlighten our leaders with right wisdom, so that all conflicts may cease and humanity may walk a path of justice and harmony.”
On behalf of the CBCI, Archbishop Thazhath urged all faithful, clergy, religious, and people of goodwill to observe Friday as a solemn day of prayer and fasting for world peace.
“I ask that every parish and religious community arrange for at least one hour of Eucharistic Adoration on this day, with the specific intention of praying for peace and reconciliation among all nations.”
“I encourage all our families to pray the Holy Rosary together, placing our hope in the powerful intercession of Mary, our Queen of Peace.”
“Let us unite our prayers and sacrifices, making our collective plea for peace a powerful testament of our faith. Confident in the maternal intercession of Mary, our Queen of Peace, let us trust that God will bring an end to conflict and lead humanity to justice and harmony,” Archbishop Thazhath added.
