MARGAO: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão has called on the Catholic faithful to observe October 27, Friday as a ‘day of prayer, penance and fasting for peace’ in the world.
“Sisters and Brothers, in response to our beloved Holy Father’s invitation, let us rise together and join him in observing coming Friday, the 27th of October, as a day of prayer, penance and fasting for peace in Israel and Palestine and between other war-torn countries and peoples,” said the Cardinal in a circular issued to the clergy, religious, lay Faithful and individuals of goodwill in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
“Prayer and penance can play a vital role in this endeavour. While we encourage individuals and families to join in this global spiritual exercise, we urge our Parish Priests, Chaplains, Heads of Institutions and of Religious Communities to organize for the people under their care at least an hour of prayer for this intention,” he added.
“In a world marred by conflict and suffering, the ongoing strife in Israel and Palestine stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace in our world. We are witnessing a crisis that is claiming countless lives and causing immeasurable pain. Our Holy Father Francis is constantly voicing his concern for the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Israel, calling on all parties to lay down their weapons,” said the Cardinal in the opening notes of the circular.
“Speaking at his General Audience on the 18th instant, he (Pope Francis) implored: “Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children. War solves no problems. It only sows death and destruction and increases hatred. War erases the future!” And he called on all Christians to pray and fast for peace on Friday, the 27th of October, 2023,” said the Cardinal
“He also encouraged people of Christian denominations, other religions and all those who advocate for peace to participate as they see fit. The Pope announced that the central event on Friday would be an hour of prayer at 6 pm in St. Peter’s Square, with the goal of invoking peace for the world,” the Cardinal added.
The Cardinal also referred to how Pope Francis had invited ‘all the particular Churches to take part by organizing similar initiatives which involve the people of God’.
