The Queen of Peace

The world is watching and waiting as the crisis in Syria unfolds. Approximately 2 million citizens of Syria have fled, becoming refugees. Over 1,400 citizens have died from a deadly Sarin attack.

The United States debates whether to make a military strike. Italy and Russia have sent warships to the region, to join American warships.

Syria warns that a military action could result in untold consequences in such an unstable region.

Is War inevitable?

Pope Francis has issued a declaration, which states in part:

" Dear Brothers and Sisters, Hello!

Today, dear brothers and sisters, I wish to add my voice to the cry which rises up with increasing anguish from every part of the world, from every people, from the heart of each person, from one great family which is humanity: It is the cry for peace! . . . Never again war!

. . . In these days, my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming. . . . I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from deep within me.

To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on [Saturday], September 7, 2013, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite . . . all people of good will, to participate in whatever way they can, in this initiative.

On September 7, in Saint Peter's Square, here, from 7:00 p.m. until midnight [Vatican Time], we will gather 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. Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and hear words of hope and peace! I ask all the local churches, in addition to fasting, that they gather for this prayer intention:

"Let us ask Mary to help us to respond to violence, to conflict and to war, with the power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our Mother: May she help us to find peace; all of us are her children! Help us, Mary to overcome this most difficult moment and to dedicate ourselves each day to building in every situation an authentic culture of encounter and peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!"

[To all those who read my impassioned blog posts in this space, always calling for peace:  Whether you be in America, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Great Britain, or the South Pacific, let our cry for peace ring out and be heard! Gather with your families tomorrow to pray for Peace.]

[ Related Posting: " War is Not a Game",  March 22, 2013; " The War For Love", April 19, 2013.]

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