A call to pray for peace in the Holy Land
The international foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deep concern and regret at the escalation of violence in the Holy Land, which has caused the loss of more than a thousand lives and left thousands more injured. The following is a press release with the statements of Regina Lynch, Executive President of ACN International:
Regina Lynch, the International Executive President of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), voiced ACN's profound distress and sorrow on Monday, 9th October, regarding the intensifying conflict in the Holy Land that resulted in, as of now, over 1,000 fatalities and over 4,000 severe injuries.
A nun inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem (© Ismael Martínez Sánchez/ACN).
“As the executive president of ACN, a pontifical foundation that supports the persecuted and needy Church throughout the world, I feel deeply dismayed and saddened by the outbreak of violence that has shaken the Holy Land since Saturday, October 7, 2023.”
“As Christians, we believe that prayer is a powerful weapon against evil and a source of hope and healing. That is why we invite you to join us in a campaign of prayers for peace in the Holy Land. We join the call of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem for the immediate cessation of hostilities.”
“We share the sorrow of the families who have lost their loved ones and the distress of those who are injured or at risk. We pray to God to give them his consolation, his courage, and his hope. We pray for the healing and comfort of all those who are suffering from violence, fear, and grief.”
“From ACN, we call also to pray for all our brothers and sisters, Christians living in the Holy Land, who are suffering as well under the violence of extremists. This vicious circle of hatred and killing brings this sacred land back to the darkest times of its recent history and threatens to destroy any hope of peace and stability for the Christians of this region”, Lynch said.
“Let us pray with faith and trust, that God will hear our prayers and grant us his peace. Let us pray with love and compassion that our prayers will touch the hearts of those involved in the conflict and inspire them to seek peaceful ways. Let us pray with hope and perseverance that our prayers will contribute to the building of a better future for the Holy Land, where justice, peace and reconciliation will prevail.”
Lord Jesus Christ,
The Holy Land is once again struck by violence, hatred, and death. Lord, look with mercy upon the land that was your earthly home.
Receive the deceased into your presence. Comfort those who mourn, are wounded, or forced to flee. Be close to all who are full of fear and despair. You are our peace and the light of the nations, put an end to the spiral of terror and suffering in the Holy Land and in the whole Middle East!
Let peace and justice flourish at the holy sites. You are our refuge. Let the people be safe in your Love.
Have mercy on us and on our time.
Amen.