Cardinal Nichols is encouraging Catholics to have a special focus to pray for peace for the people in the Holy Land and Gaza today (8th March) ‘as a vital part of our observance of Lent.’
In his call, addressed originally to those in his own Diocese of Westminster and since extended to the whole church, the Cardinal is urging Catholics to use the Lenten season to focus on the suffering people who have been ‘scarred by war and conflict.’
He said: “As we are all aware, the situation in the Holy Land has not improved, with failed negotiations, increasing humanitarian distress and a rising death toll.
“And so I ask that, on Friday 8th March, there is a special focus of prayer for the Holy Land across the diocese. This could take the form of a dedicated time of prayer, perhaps before the Blessed Sacrament, for peace in the Holy Land. It could be as simple as making any regular Lenten devotions you may be having on that day for this intention.
“Let us pray insistently for relief for those who face multiple dangers, for an immediate cessation of armed conflict and for every serious attempt at a lasting ceasefire to be sustained.
“Please do join in praying for peace in the Holy Land this Friday in any way you can.”
He asked priests to make their “parishioners aware, and encourage them to make a special effort to take part.”
In calling for the day of prayer, Cardinal Nichols also issued a statement echoing Pope Francis’s call for a lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, for humanitarian aid to be allowed through to help those most in need in Gaza, and for hospitals, schools and places of worship to be protected. People are being urged to use these themes as key intentions for prayer.
- Resources for the day of prayer can be found on the Catholic Bishops’ conference website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/prayer-day-for-peace-in-the-holy-land/