Bishop Wester calls for diocesan day of prayer

Intermountain Catholic

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The Right Rev. Martin Diaz, rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine leads the rosary and Benediction on Sept. 7, vigil of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, in response to Pope Francis' call for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world. Shown at right is Deacon Lynn Johnson. IC photo/Marie Mischel

SALT LAKE CITY — In conjunction with the day of fasting and prayer for the whole Church proclaimed by Pope Francis on Sept. 7, for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, issued the following proclamation on Sept. 4:

"To all Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful,

Given the urgency of this intention in our war-torn world today and the depth of our Holy Father’s plea, I declare Saturday, September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, to be a day of fasting and prayer in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. It is my hope that this announcement will give our parishes time to organize opportunities for communal prayer and quiet reflection as we pray that the reconciliation brought about by Christ, who shed his blood on the Holy Cross, will become a reality for our brothers and sisters who are suffering so much in Syria, the Middle East and so many other regions of our world where violence and war are the norm. I especially ask that we join with our beloved Sisters of the Holy Cross in exploring ways that we can be instruments of peace in this local Church in some practical way, giving witness to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, from whose side flowed the living waters needed to drown the fires of war. May Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood faithfully at the foot of the cross, intercede for us as she joins her prayers with ours that our swords will be turned into plowshares and our hearts will be reconciled as we proclaim the Gospel of peace, a gift the world cannot give."

Yours in Christ,

+Most Reverend John C. Wester