Together with people of good will around the world, Bishop Gary Gordon urges all those in the Diocese of Victoria to pray for peace in Ukraine.
Pope Francis has asked Catholics to make March 2nd, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. “I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war,” he said.
In the words of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, “there is still time for goodwill, there is still room for negotiation, there is still a place for the exercise of a wisdom that can prevent the predominance of partisan interest, safeguard the legitimate aspirations of everyone, and spare the world from the folly and horrors of war. As believers, we do not lose hope for a glimmer of conscience on the part of those who hold in their hands the fortunes of the world.”
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops echoed that sentiment in a statement released today: “Jesus came to bring the gift of peace, and it is through Him that new pathways of dialogue can be opened, even when all other avenues appear closed”.
Development and Peace will be launching an emergency appeal to provide relief to the people of Ukraine. Information will be available on their website soon, or donations may be made now by calling 1-888-234-8533.
God of peace and mercy, come into the hearts of all your people!
