Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has called for a Universal Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria and all places of conflict for this Saturday evening, September 7, 2013. He made an urgent appeal for the precious gift of peace. With the utmost firmness, the Pope condemned the use of chemical weapons and recalled for us that “war begets war, violence begets violence.” All of our efforts, Pope Francis pleased, must be for peace, internationally and individually. The Holy Father urged Catholics and all people to pursue peace, peace born from a culture of encounter and dialogue with one another, and to participate in this day of fasting and prayer in whatever way possible.
This Saturday, September 7, 2013, the Vigil of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a universal day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world. In Rome, at Saint Peter’s Square, on that day, the Holy Father will lead a gathering in prayer and in a spirit of penance, asking God for the gift of peace in Syria and all places of conflict. The Pope asks all local churches to assemble for the same intention in a similar way.
Therefore, at Saint Frances Cabrini Church, the Most Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration and prayers for peace on Saturday, September 7 following the 9:30 AM Mass and continuing until 5:00 PM. We urge parishioners to come and offer prayers of peace.
Also, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput will open the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for all Catholics and all people to come and pray for peace. The Most Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration. Communal prayers for peace will be offered on the hour.
All Catholics are encouraged to observe a personal fast day on Saturday, September 7, 2013. This fast may take the form of simple meals or no food in between meals or refraining from meals.