Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has invited all the faithful with a letter to hold a day of prayer for peace in the Holy Land on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heave.
“Many months have now passed since the beginning of this terrible war. The suffering caused by this conflict and the dismay at what is happening are not only unabated, but seem to be fueled again and again by hatred, resentment and contempt, which only intensify the violence and push away the possibility of finding solution” The Cardinal wrote in the letter in which he invites all the faithful to pray for peace.
To fulfill this prayer, Card. Pizzaballa suggests: “On this day, before or after the celebration of the Eucharist or at another suitable time, I invite everyone to a moment of intercession for peace to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I hope that the parishes, the contemplative and apostolic religious communities and even the few pilgrims who are among us will unite in the common desire for peace that we entrust to the Blessed Virgin”.
Br Francesco Patton Custos of the Holy Land also joined this call for prayer for peace, “I seem to see a hopeful sign in the fact that the parties involved have agreed to resume talks for the ceasefire in Gaza, the liberation of the hostages and that of political prisoners on the very day in which we celebrate Mary assumed into Heaven in body and soul, a sign of sure hope and consolation for us pilgrims on earth” wrote Br. Francesco in a letter addressed to the friars living in the Holy Land, he also invited them to participate in the day of prayer in the Gethsemane on the 14th and 15th according to the program of the custody.
Download the letter of the Cardinale Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM: Italiano - Español - English
Download the letter of the Custode Br Francesco Patton OFM: Italiano - Español - English
Download the prayer for peace: Italiano - Español - English
Supplication for peace to Our Lady assumed into Heaven
O most glorious Mother of God,
raised above the choirs of angels,
pray for us with Saint Michael the Archangel
and with all the angelic powers of heaven
and with all the saints,
to your most holy
and beloved Son, our Lord and master.
Obtain for this Holy Land,
for all His children
and for all humanity
the gift of reconciliation and peace.
May your prophecy be fulfilled:
the proud are scattered
in the imaginations of their hearts;
the mighty are overthrown from their thrones,
and finally, the humble are raised;
Let the hungry be filled with good things,
the peaceful be recognized as children of God
and that the meek may receive the earth as a gift.
May Jesus Christ, your Son, grant us this,
He who exalted you today
above the choirs of angels,
who crowned you with the diadem of the Kingdom,
and has placed you on the throne of eternal splendour.
To him be honour and glory forever.
Amen.
