Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - On Sunday 28 October Venezuela celebrates a National Day of Prayer for Peace, Solidarity and Reconciliation, convoked by the Catholic Bishops' Conference. In response to the Bishops the National Council of Catholic Laity has urged ecclesial instances, Catholics and all Venezuelans of good will to unite in prayer. The Council has asked dioceses and parishes to include intentions for peace, solidarity and reconciliation, in all Masses on Sunday and the Saturday before and at the end of Mass to recite the national "Prayer for Venezuela". Religious of enclosed Orders and members of institutes of consecrated life have also been asked to pray for this special intention. People unable to attend Sunday Mass, the infirm, the bedridden are asked to pray and offer their suffering for the same intention. Families and communities are encouraged to recite the Rosary and other prayers in the family or social meeting places.
The Council has invited other Christians and non Christians to pray for this intention during the day, "the intention is only religious, to implore God the Father to help the conversion of all hearts in Venezuela, that people may take an active part in building and working for reconciliation and peace".
Cardinal Jorge Luis Urosa Savino, Archbishop of Caracas, issued a statement addressed to parish priests, rectors of churches, religious superiors and leaders of lay apostolate movements "to adhere with enthusiasm to this initiative with prayers for peace and reconciliation in our country. At times of important events it is necessary to ask God's help in order to find paths to social harmony and justice, freedom and peace ”. The Cardinal makes some suggestions for a fruitful Day, to involve Catholic school pupils; organise prayer meetings, recitation of the Rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; avoid any form of partiality or politicised addresses; encourage the faithful to continue to pray for national peace and reconciliation. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 26/10/2007; righe 28, parole 417)
