Archbishop J. Peter Sartain and Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo asked Catholics in the Archdiocese of Seattle Wednesday to “take to heart” Pope Francis’ call for a day of prayer and fasting on Saturday, Sept. 7, for peace in Syria, the Middle East and the world.
Pope Francis made his request during his Angelus prayer Sunday, Sept. 1.
Calling this a “critical moment of world tension,” Archbishop Sartain and Bishop Elizondo asked all parishes and Catholic people to make this Saturday a day of prayer for peace.
“Our common prayer and penance can change hearts — particularly our own — and proclaim that as Christians we are people of peace,” the bishops wrote to parish leaders. “By God’s grace, our prayer, united with that of others around the world, can have profound and far-reaching effect.”
Parishes also have been granted permission by the archbishop to use prayers for peace during Sunday Masses.
“May peace reign in Syria and the Middle East, in the entire world, and in our hearts,” the bishop’s wrote, also quoting Pope Francis’ plea: “May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and let themselves be led by the desire for peace.
A prayer for the people of Syria from the USCCB
Pope Francis' Sept. 1 Angelus prayer.
Current news releases, articles and other resources from the USCCB
Additional information from CNEWA
How to plan a vigil from the USCCB
Other prayers for peace from the USCCB
Help Syrian refugees during the crisis through CRS
September 4, 2013