In a circular to the parish priests and others, Archbishop Ferrao has stated: ‘This year marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Throughout these last hundred years, there has not been a single day when there was no conflict or violence on this planet. But never did this reality reach the proportions it has gained today.’
‘Over the past few weeks, events in Iraq have been particularly disastrous. The persecution that is being unleashed on the defenceless minorities in that country, including thousands of Christians, is escalating towards a widespread genocide.’ He has asked the whole Church and all the faithful ‘to raise up with one voice a ceaseless prayer, imploring the Holy Spirit to send the gift of peace.’
“With this in mind, I earnestly appeal to my beloved brother priests, religious and members of the Laity of this Archdiocese to offer intensified prayer for peace in the Middle East during three days on August 15, 16 and 17. While special prayer services like Holy Hours may be held in churches and religious communities during all these days. August 16 may be observed also as a day of fasting and sacrifice for this intention.”
“Conscious that Goa has always been known for an exceptional spirit of communal harmony, I invite also followers of other faiths and all people of goodwill to join, in whatever way they can, in this initiative. Together let us also envelope our great nation in this prayer for peace: peace for our families, for our communities, for our states,” said Archbishop Ferrao.
