Praying for Peace, Witnessing for Peace

Last Spring our local CPF asked the communities of Religious in the Archdiocese to join us in praying for peace in Iraq. Encouraged by the response, we are broadening our efforts in the New Year ahead. We are offering a bookmark with a prayer for bringing peace at home and abroad. The card also has a cry from the heart of Pope John Paul II, pleading for an end of all warfare.

In November 2004, Catholics voted an almost equally red/blue, split. CPF recognizes the clear divisions within our community on many political issues, including acceptance of the Rumsfeld or the Murtha strategy for ending the war. We hope that the faithful, joining in prayer individually and in our parish churches, schools, and other institutions, will surmount and transcend our differences by relying on the Holy Spirit to unite and guide us in witnessing for the peace the Spirit wills. Cardinal Justin Rigali has kindly recommended this prayer, with slight changes, for use during the General Intercessions at Masses on January 23.

Enriched by grace, may the entire local Church faithfully witness to end the fratricide in the land that fathered Abraham, our father in faith, and by so doing, further the chance for finding peace and justice in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and in the hill country where Jesus once called out: “Peacemakers, blessed are you...”

Frank McGinty

A Prayer for Peace

Lord, You bless peacemakers and justice seekers;
Inspire us to work to end the war in Iraq and all violence;
Protect our sons and daughters in the military
From spiritual dangers and physical harm;
Watch over civilian populations in all war zones;
And may we at home be at peace with each other.

return to 12/05 CPF Newsletter