Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez is encouraging Catholics throughout the five-county region to show continued concern for all the peoples of the Holy Land, especially during a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, by praying for peace this weekend at Mass.
On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Jewish community will observe Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning, fasting, and prayer observing the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, and other pogroms and persecutions experienced by the Jewish community in their history.
This year’s commemoration takes place 10 months after the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel and the ensuing war between Israel and Hamas.
In his Oct. 10, 2023 statement regarding armed conflict in the Holy Land, Archbishop Pérez said, “I urge all people of goodwill to answer the urgent plea of Pope Francis by calling for an immediate end to this conflict and in praying for all those trapped by the maelstrom of war. As the Holy Father said, ‘Terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.’”
The special intention below has been provided to parishes throughout the Archdiocese to be included in the Universal Prayer during Masses this weekend, Aug. 10-11.
As the Jewish community observes a day of mourning this week for lives destroyed through war and persecution, we pray for an end to the war in the Holy Land, and to all war. We pray that all hostages may be released, that the displaced may be able to return home, and that all people of faith might work together to rebuild what has been broken.
Let us pray to the Lord./Lord, hear our prayer.
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