Catholic prayer day for Syria

Date: 06 December 2013 07:44:06

After the day of fasting and prayer for peace declared and observed by Pope Francis on September 7th, 4th December was a day declared by the Bishops of England and Wales, of the Catholic Church, to be a day of prayer for Syria. it was chosen because it was the feast day of St John of Damascus (above) and thus provides a way of linking the early Church with the living community of Middle Eastern Christians and their vocation as peace-builders. The Bishops prayed that the example of St John’s life can serve to inspire Christians, Muslims and Jews to work for reconciliation and justice. Prayers for Peace O God of peace, who are peace itself and whom a spirit of discord cannot grasp, nor a violent mind receive, grant that those who are one in heart may persevere in what is good and that those in conflict may forget evil and so be healed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. St John Damascene, pray for us. Amen