4/6/2024 Email

Maybe it is just because I have had some time off, but I have been paying especially close
attention to the news this week. It’s not good. The truth is, it hasn’t been good for some
time now. Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, Haiti…I know there are other places, too, where peace
seems elusive.
I feel guilty that I haven’t spent more time thinking about and praying for those in war-savaged Ukraine; the Israeli victims of October 7 and the hostages still being held; the
ordinary Palestinians who are starving and have been victimized for so long; the hundreds
of heroic aid workers killed trying to help; the Haitians living in a state of violence. I know
there are differences of opinion on both the wars in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza, and
how we could best help Haiti.
But I hope we can agree on one thing. The world needs peace, and we need to pray for it.
I found this prayer at the website for the Catholic Health Association of the United States:
Gracious God, we pray for all persons suffering from war.
May they be held in your loving care and protection and given the strength to endure great
suffering and hardship. Transform the hearts and minds of all those who perpetuate
violence and oppression. Grant wisdom to world leaders in advancing efforts toward world
peace; may they not be compromised by self-interest and blind indifference. We ask all this
through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes and in the name of your Son Jesus, and the
Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
God Bless,
Margaret