The pain and sadness of what happened was intense. Once again we find ourselves in the midst of a political and military crisis. Suddenly we were thrown into a sea of ​​unprecedented violence. The hatred, which we have unfortunately experienced for a long time, will increase, and the series of violence will create more destruction. Everyone seems to be talking about death.
But in this time of pain and sorrow, we do not want to remain helpless. And let us not allow death and its stings (1 Cor 15:55) to be the only word to be heard.
That is why we feel the need to pray, to turn our hearts to God the Father. Only in this way can we get the strength and peace to live in this time, turning to Him, in intercessory prayer, prayer, and also shouting.
In the name of all the Ordinaries of the Holy Land, I invite all parishes and religious communities to a day of fasting and prayer for peace and reconciliation.
We ask that on Tuesday, October 17, everyone make a day of fasting abstinence, and prayer. The moments of prayer should be organized with Eucharistic adoration and with the rosary to the Blessed Virgin. Probably in many parts of our dioceses, the circumstances do not allow the gathering of large assemblies. In parishes, in religious communities, and in families, it is still possible to organize simple and strong common moments of prayer.
This is how we all come together, despite everything, and join together to pray in chorus, to surrender to God the Father our thirst for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
