Holy Land: Catholics will pray for peace on August 15, day of the Assumption

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, spread a prayer to Our Lady of the Assumption to be prayed by all Christians on August 15.

Cardinal Pizzaballa points out that “these days seem important” to change the course of the war in Gaza, “whose consequences for the lives of our people are greater and more painful than ever.”

Likewise, he considers that “it is increasingly difficult to find people and institutions with whom to dialogue about the future and peaceful relations.” For this reason, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem invites all Catholic faithful to ask the Blessed Virgin for peace in the region, on the solemnity of her Assumption into Heaven.

“On that day, before or after the celebration of the Eucharist or at any other appropriate time, I invite everyone to a moment of intercession for peace before the Blessed Virgin Mary. I hope that the parishes, the contemplative and apostolic religious communities, and even the few pilgrims among us, will unite in the common desire for peace that we entrust to the Blessed Virgin,” said Cardinal Pizzaballa.

The cardinal specified that the Patriarchate has done everything possible “to help and be close to everyone,” however, in the face of words of hate and the continuation of the war, he commented: “We only have to pray… offer our prayer, made of words of reconciliation and peace.”

“Let us pray that in this long night we are living, the intercession of the Most Holy Mary opens a ray of hope for all of us and for the entire world,” he concluded.

For his part, Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, joined the invitation of Cardinal Pizzaballa and, through a letter addressed to all the Franciscans of the Custody, he also asked them to pray for peace.

“I see a hopeful sign in the fact that the parties in conflict have agreed to resume talks for the ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the hostages and political prisoners, precisely on the day on which we celebrate that Mary has been assumed to the throne. heaven in body and soul, a sign of sure hope and consolation for us, pilgrims on earth,” said Friar Patton.

The Franciscan Custody will dedicate the celebrations for the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary “to prayer for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world.”

“Everyone who can, on August 14 and 15, participate in the celebrations in Gethsemane according to the program sent by the Custodial Secretariat, the others enhance the celebrations in fraternity and include the special Plea for peace to the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven”, concluded the Custos of the Holy Land.

Plea for peace to the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven

Glorious Mother of God,

exalted above the choirs of angels,

intercede for us with the archangel Saint Michael,

with all the angelic powers of heaven

and all the saints,

before your Most Holy and beloved Son,

Lord and master.

Obtain for this Holy Land,

for all your children

and for all humanity

the gift of reconciliation and peace.

May your prophecy be fulfilled:

let the proud be scattered

in the thoughts of their hearts;

Let the mighty be thrown down from their thrones,

and finally the humble be exalted;

let the hungry be filled with good things,

be recognized as children of God

those who seek peace

and the meek inherit the earth.

May Jesus Christ, your Son, grant it to us,

that today has exalted you

about the choirs of angels,

He has girded you with the crown of the kingdom,

and has placed you on the throne of eternal splendor.

To Him be honor and glory forever and ever.

Amen.