As we prepare for the Season of Lent, I ask that local Catholics and Christians of all denominations add to their Lenten intentions peace in the Ukraine.
Ordinarily, Lent is a time for inward focus on our personal continuing conversion to be open to God’s presence in our lives. This year, as global citizens, we must look outward as well and do all we can to stem the forces of evil throughout the world, most especially in the Ukraine.
This Ash Wednesday, following his unprecedented personal visit to the Russian Embassy in Rome to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our Holy Father has asked that we offer in a particular way prayers and fasting for a peaceful resolution to the evil of this war. Pope Francis tweeted: “Every war leaves our world worse than it was before. War is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil.”
The people of Ukraine have inspired the world by standing against this unjust attack on the dignity and freedom of its people. May God hold dear the souls of those who have already lost their lives from this attack and bring hope to those continuing to battle for their very existence.
As my brother bishops have noted, “In times of trouble, we call on the tender mercy of God…to guide our feet to the way of peace (Luke 1:78079) Let us not forget the power of prayer as we ask God for a successful diplomatic resolution of this heinous aggression.
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