Pope Francis
Pope Francis gave us this invitation.... ‘let us persevere in our closeness and in prayer for the dear Ukrainian people who are experiencing immense cruelty’
A Prayer for Ukraine
Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.
We pray for world leaders,
for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world
that in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.
May we walk in your ways
so that peace and justice
become a reality for the people of Ukraine
and for all the world.
Amen.
(From the CAFOD website. Link opens in new tab.)
World Day of Prayer for Peace.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis this year:
Forgive us our trespasses…grant us your peace
In a world hungry for revenge and where ‘sorry’ really does seem to be the hardest word, Pope Francis has boldly chosen ‘forgiveness’ as the central theme for World Peace Day 2025. This is in stark contrast to the calls for ‘revenge’ and ‘an eye for an eye’ that are currently played on repeat by our politicians and amplified by the media.
Do we really have the faith to believe that when we choose to forgive then God will grant us peace?
The Pope informs us that it is only from a genuine conversion on all levels - personal, local and international - that true peace will be
able to flourish.
Reflect:
Today's readings take the theme of Christ being the shepherd of his people. He cares for us, he calls us by name and we belong to him.
Pray:
Lord, let me know clearly
The work which you are calling me to do in life.
And grant me every grace I need to answer your call
With courage and love and lasting dedication to your will.
Amen.
(Sunday Connection)
Act
We are each called by God to do his work on Earth, to bring others closer to him, to care for each other, just as a Shepherd looks after his sheep. This week take time to pray and understand your vocation in this life. How can you life that Christian Vocation more fully? In what ways are You called?
Challenge
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- It's been very warm recently with very little rain. Take steps now to conserve the water you use, perhaps by shortening the time you spend in the shower, or by gathering that water that runs off while waiting for the hot water to come through.
- Take time to read and consider the words of Laudato Si above. The full text of the Encyclical is available here.
CAFOD Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, CAFOD is responding through the Catholic Church there to support families affected by the disaster. Your donations will provide essentials like water, food, solar lights, and mosquito nets. Please give to CAFOD’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal in church or you can donate online at cafod.org.uk/myanmar or by calling 0303 303 3030. You can also text EARTHQUAKE to 70450 to donate £10
CAFOD's Prayer for Peace in the Middle East (Opens in a new tab.)