"... we call upon all our faithful sons and daughters to join in this day of fasting and prayer. We ask for services to be held in all parishes – according to the situation and conditions specific to each. Let these services and celebrations be held in union with the Holy Father, who from 7 p.m. until midnight will be in St Peter’s Square “in prayer and in a spirit of penance, invoking God’s great gift of peace upon the beloved nation of Syria and upon each situation of conflict and violence around the world.” We call upon all our priests to open their churches during that period to pray with any parishioners who manage to come. This vigil will be marked by the celebration of Vespers and Matins with a time of prayer and meditation. The prayer uttered by Blessed John Paul II at Quneitra on 1 May 2001 should also be recited. We also suggest reading Pope Francis’ remarks of 25 August and 1 September as well as our own statements and appeals for peace." - H.B. Patriarch Gregory III Laham, Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and President of the Assembly of Catholic Hierarchs, Syria - orientale-lumen.blogspot.au/2013/09/day-of-fasting-patriarch-gregorios-iii.html
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:52:01 +0000