Celebration of San Pedro at the end of the Day of fasting and prayer called today, October 27, to call for peace in a world marked by violence. Francis turned to the Virgin and entrusted to her the destiny of mankind: “Shake the souls of those who are trapped in hatred, those who provoke conflicts. Dry the tears of children, open lightnings of night light in conflicts”.
“Pacem in Terris.” Peace in a “shaken” world, torn by the wounds of division and poison of hatred. Torn by the “madness of war” that “erases the future.” Once again, Francis returned to the feet of Mary, Queen of Peace, and as in the past through Syria, Africa and Ukraine, now looking at the river of violence happening in the Holy Land, he prayed to the “Mother” for the gift of peace An urgency in “these conflict-torn and weapon-ravaged times.”
The Holy Pope led the Basilica of San Pedro in the closing celebration of the Day of Fasting and Prayer that he himself called the Angelus on Sunday, October 15. An occasion to gather the people of God spread throughout the world with the only intention to silence the weapons and to encourage “paths of peace to the responsible nations.”
On the day in which Pope Francis invites us to dedicate it to the call for reconciliation in the Middle East, we remember the circumstances in which he spiritually moves,…
To pray with the people
Arriving at the Basilica in a wheelchair, with the background music of the Schola Cantorum, Francis immediately went to the Marian icon to stop there for a few moments. Then he joins in reciting the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, interspersed with moments of silence and reflection by the Fathers of the Church.
Only the Vicar of Peter appeared, sitting with his head bowed on a white chair, with the effigy of St. Peter glowing softly at his side. But, like a shepherd who always follows his flock, behind him are hundreds of faithful, bishops, cardinals and participants of the Synod. Fortunately, flocking with the Bishop of Rome, believers from all continents assured their obedience to his invitation. They pray in Jerusalem, they pray in Gaza, they pray in Kyiv, they pray in villages in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. In lands bathed in blood, often innocent, people prayed to God for “peace on earth, a deep desire of people of all times,” as John XXIII wrote at the beginning of the historic encyclical that gave of that event in its title.
Prayer of the Holy Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica
Wars that destroy the world
Francis became the mouthpiece of his sufferings and hopes when, with his gaze and thoughts directed to the Virgin Mary, he began his speech: “Mary, look at us! Here we are before you, ” he sang. The call is followed by a prayer to the Virgin, who knows well “our work and our wounds.”
You, Queen of Peace, suffered with us and for us, seeing many of your children tried in conflicts, saddened by the wars that destroy the world. In this dark hour – a dark hour, Mother – we immerse ourselves in your bright eyes and we entrust ourselves to your heart, sensitive to our problems.
Brief message from Francis on his Pontifex account, a day after his Angelus call against the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East “destruction of fraternity…
Caring for every human life
These are the times, now, of “anxiety” and “fear.” The same that the Mother of God experienced in her life and before she was afraid: “In decisive moments you are the leader,” said the Holy Pope. And even at the foot of the Cross where his Son was hung, “you weave the night of pain with the hope of Easter.”
“Now, Mother, take the initiative for us again,” prayed the Holy Pope. “Direct your compassionate gaze to the human family, which has lost the way of peace, which prefers Cain to Abel and, which has lost the feeling of brotherhood, cannot see the atmosphere of the home .”
Pray for our world of danger and confusion. Teach us to welcome and care for life – all human life! – and to reject the madness of war, which sows death and destroys the future.
Pray the Rosary
Responsibility for peace
Many times the Virgin asked for prayer and penance. “We, however, are caught up in our own needs and distracted by so many worldly interests, turning a deaf ear to your invitations,” Francis confessed, “but You, who love us, we do not tire.” Hold us by the hand, hold us by the hand,” he repeated twice, “help us guard the unity of the Church and be the architect of the communion of the world.
Remind us of the importance of our role, make us feel responsible for peace, called to prayer and worship, to intercede and make reparations for all humanity.”
Pope Francis
Children’s tears
In the hands of the Virgin, the Pope placed all human weaknesses: “We cannot do it alone.” “We – he assures – we come to you, we seek refuge in your pure Heart.” The Heart he consecrated in March 2022, one year after the outbreak of war, Russia and Ukraine.
Let us ask for mercy, Mother of mercy; peace, Queen of peace! It shakes the soul of those trapped in hatred, converts those who feed and foment conflicts. Wipe the tears of the children, at this time they are crying a lot… Help the lonely and old, support the wounded and sick, protect those who have to leave their land and their loved ones, comfort the distrust ., arouses hope.
“Open flashes of light in the night of conflicts”
To the Virgin the Pope finally consecrates “every fiber of our being, what we have and what is, forever.” He consecrated the Church to “be a sign of harmony and an instrument of peace.” It consecrates the world, “especially the countries and regions that are at war.”
“You – he said to the Mother of God -, dawn of salvation, open light in the night of conflicts. You, abode of the Holy Spirit, inspire the paths of peace to those responsible for the nations.”
You, Woman of all people, reconcile… reconcile your children, seduced by evil, blinded by power and hatred.
