In a message sent to all Legionaries, Father John Connor, L.C., the General Director of the Congregation, has encouraged them to join the invitation from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, supported by Pope Francis.
In the context of the current events in Holy Land, where the Legion of Christ has a presence in two locations, Jerusalem and Magdala, in a message, Fr. John Connor, L.C., the General Director of the Congregation, has invited everyone to participate in the Day of Fasting and Prayer, on October 17, promoted by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and extended to the entire Church by Pope Francis (read the Patriarch’s letter here).
In the Angelus on Sunday, October 15, Pope Francis invited participation in a day of prayer and fasting for peace on Tuesday, October 17
Credit: Vatican News
In his letter, the Patriarch states that “…God is not a God of disorder, but of peace,” quoting the New Testament (1 Corinthians 14:33), wishing that “may the Lord truly give us His peace!”. Additionally, he states that “the pain and dismay over what is happening are great (…) Hatred, which unfortunately we have experienced for too long, will increase even more, and the spiral of violence that follows will create more destruction.” That is why he emphasizes that “we feel the need to pray, to turn our hearts back to God the Father. Only then can we draw strength and serenity to live this time, directing ourselves to Him.”
To this end, he requests that “on Tuesday, October 17, everyone observe a day of fasting and abstinence, and prayer (…) which should be organized with Eucharistic adoration and the Rosary to the Blessed Virgin.”
Message from Fr. John Connor, L.C., to the Legionaries of Christ
Dear fathers and brothers:
We have all followed with pain and concern the dramatic events experienced in Holy Land. The priests and consecrated persons who remain there, attending to the works and workers who care for them, are well, carrying out their mission amid limitations and with admirable spirit.
In addition to thanking them for what they have done and continue to do to make Christ and His Church present in that beloved land, torn by so many conflicts, I ask everyone to unite in prayer for peace. It will help us to do so by joining the initiative proposed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
May all our communities, in addition to the spirit of fasting and abstinence, set aside a real time to beseech the Lord for the gift of peace for the whole world and, especially, for the land that saw Him born, grow, die, and rise.
Queen of Peace, pray for us and for the resolution of this conflict in the Holy Land!
