New Delhi – On March 8, the Latin Episcopal Conference of India invites the faithful to a special day of prayer for peace in the Middle East and calls on all the faithful to pray the Rosary daily from March 8 to 14 to invoke the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The Indian bishops also urge the faithful to fast on March 13, the Friday of Lent, in a spirit of renunciation and prayer for peace, according to a statement sent to Fides, signed by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of the Episcopal Conference.
“In these days marked by increasing unrest and violence in the Middle East,” the statement reads, “we invite the entire Latin Church in India to unite in prayer and supplication for peace,” while “the suffering caused by war and instability affects the entire human family.”
Archbishop Ferrão recalls that many Indians live in the Middle East, “supporting their families from afar and contributing generously to both the life of the Church and our nation.” “In this time of uncertainty, we entrust them in a special way to the Lord’s protection and pray for their safety, integrity, and well-being,” he affirms.
The statement requests that Masses be celebrated on March 8 in all churches for the intention of peace in the Middle East. Parishes are encouraged to include in their prayers the intentions for an end to hostilities, the protection of innocent lives, and wisdom and moderation among world leaders. “May our common prayer, our penance, and our solidarity become a humble plea before Almighty God, that hearts may be converted, hostilities may cease, and peace may prevail,” the Indian bishops concluded in their statement.
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