The Holy Father Pope Francis, at the conclusion of the General Audience on October 18, has called for a Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Penitence for Peace on next Friday, October 27. This new day arises as a consequence of the difficult situation still unfolding in the Holy Land and in other parts of the world.
For this day of prayer, the Pope has extended the invitation to all Catholic faithful around the world, as well as to faithful from various Christian denominations and other religions. Since the beginning of the recent conflict, the Holy Father has expressed his concern about the war and his closeness and sorrow for those suffering the consequences of the war. The Pope continues to urge the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict, reminding us that war is always a defeat for humanity.
Credit: Vatican News
The General Directive College of Regnum Christi sent a letter (which can also be downloaded here) to all members of Regnum Christi to join in the request of Pope Francis “with our prayer and our total dedication” for the Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Penitence for peace, on October 27, 2023.
Thy Kingdom Come!
October 22, 2023
To all members of Regnum Christi
Legionaries of Christ, consecrated, lay consecrated, and lay members
Dearly esteemed in Christ,
We are very pleased to greet you, while sharing with you the concern and pain caused by the armed conflict and violence in the Holy Land, which is dramatically joined by the situations of war in Ukraine and other countries. We have followed the initiatives that have arisen to pray for peace and support all those who suffer, such as refugees, the families of our center staff, pilgrims, and the volunteer, consecrated, and legionary communities serving in Jerusalem and Galilee.
We feel challenged by this painful situation and, as apostles of Regnum Christi, we want to concretely express our dedication through “perseverant struggle against the reality of evil and sin in our own lives and in society, moved by the force of love to the very end” (EFRC no. 10).
“Do not cease to pray for peace!” This is the message conveyed to us by the Legionary fathers and the consecrated women of the Jerusalem and Magdala communities. The Holy Father has also once again urged us to prayer as “the gentle and holy force we have to combat hatred.” His exhortation, addressed to all believers, is to “take only one side in this conflict: that of peace.” (Pope Francis, October 18, 2023)
Regnum Christi has always been characterized by supporting the initiatives of our pastors, especially with love and affection for those of bishops and the Holy Father. As the General Directive College, we want to invite you to dedicate our prayer and devotion, begging the Lord for a change of hearts among men and for the gift of peace.
We want to invite everyone to join those suffering amidst the scourge of war by supporting “with our prayer and our total dedication” (Francisco, October 18, 2023), and concretely joining the Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Penitence for Peace that the Holy Father has called for Friday, October 27.
We ask Christ, Prince of Peace, that His Kingdom come amidst these circumstances, in our lives and in our hearts.
With our prayers and sacrifices for peace,
General Directive College and lay members assisting it
P. John Connor, L.C., Nancy Nohrden, Félix Gómez Rueda
Francisco Gámez, Álvaro Abellán
