By Catholic Philly Staff Report • Posted October 20, 2023

Pope Francis has called on Catholics around the world to join in solidarity for a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in the World, especially in Israel and Palestine. The day designated for this purpose is Friday, Oct. 27.

The Holy Father reminds us that “so many war fronts are already open in the world.”  So, our prayer for peace includes every part of the world as well, including Ukraine and the African continent.

Archbishop Pérez is echoing our Holy Father’s call by encouraging all clergy, religious, and lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join in observing this Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in the World.

A Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Oct. 27 at 12:05 p.m.

Archbishop Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist. Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan Archbishop for Ukrainian Catholics in the United States, will concelebrate.

Preceding Mass, all are invited to pray the Holy Rosary for the intention of peace beginning at 11:30 a.m.

The Mass will be streamed live to the Archdiocese Vimeo Channel and Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page.

All parishes, religious communities, and institutions throughout the Archdiocese have been asked to announce this Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace beginning Oct.  22 with local plans for its observance, especially with the praying of the Holy Rosary and the celebration of Holy Mass.