The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, wrote a letter to his fellow Christians on August 15th, pleading for peace in the Holy Land and including a prayer to Our Lady for the feast day of her Assumption.
“These days seem important,” according to Cardinal Pizzaballa, to turn around the Gaza War, “whose impact on our people’s lives is greater and more painful than ever before.”
The patriarch asked all Catholics to pray to the Blessed Virgin for peace in the world, stating that “it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people and institutions with whom a dialogue about the future and peaceful relations is possible.”
The patriarch asked all Catholic believers to pray to the Blessed Virgin for peace in the area on the solemnity of her Assumption into heaven, observing that “it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people and institutions with whom a dialogue about the future and peaceful relations is possible.”
“I invite everyone to join me in a moment of prayer for peace to the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day, either before or after the Eucharistic celebration, or at another appropriate time. Pizzaballa said, “I pray that the parishes, the apostolic and contemplative religious communities, and even the few pilgrims who are here will come together in the shared wish for peace that we entrust to the Blessed Virgin.”
The cardinal stated that although the patriarchate has made every effort “to support and be near to everyone,” “we would like to offer our prayer, which consists of words of reconciliation and peace,” in response to hate speech and the ongoing conflict.
Cardinal Pizzaballa said, “Let us pray that the most holy Mary’s intercession will open a glimpse of light for all of us and for the whole world in this long night that we are living through.”
In addition to supporting Cardinal Pizzaballa’s request, Friar Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, requested in writing that all Franciscans under his care pray for peace.
On the day that we celebrate Mary’s assumption into heaven in both body and soul, Father Patton told the friars, “I seem to see a hopeful sign in the fact that the parties involved have agreed to resume talks for the cease-fire in Gaza, the liberation of the hostages and that of political prisoners, a sign of sure hope and consolation for us pilgrims on earth.”
The solemnity of the Assumption of Mary will be celebrated by the Franciscan Custody “to prayer for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world.”
“Everyone who is able, on August 14 and 15, ought to take part in the festivities at Gethsemane in accordance with the schedule provided by the Custodial Secretariat; the remaining individuals should cherish the celebrations in unity and incorporate the suitable “Ask for tranquility to the B.V. Mary Assumed into heaven,” the custodians of the Holy Land concluded.
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