ASIA/HOLY LAND - Father Patton: "Negotiations resuming on Assumption Day a sign of hope, let us pray for peace"

Wednesday, 14 August 2024  

Jerusalem (Fides News Agency) – "Resuming talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and political prisoners on the day we celebrate the assumption of Mary into Heaven in body and soul, is a sure sign of hope and consolation for us pilgrims on Earth".

These words were penned by the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, in a letter sent to the friars of the Custody with an invitation to dedicate the day of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, August 15th, to supplication for peace in the Middle East and all over the world. "As Cardinal Pizzaballa reminded us (see Fides 10/8/2024), we are experiencing very difficult times, in which it is particularly important to pray for peace", the letter went on.

"For this reason, in agreement with the Guardian and the fraternity of Gethsemane, we thought of dedicating the celebrations of Assumption Day to a prayer for peace in the Holy Land and around the world – continued the Custos –. We know that when the sign of the Woman about to give birth appears in Heaven, the infernal dragon that rages against her offspring will also appear, but will be thwarted by the celestial militias led by Saint Michael the Archangel".

Hence the invitation to pray using "the formula for which I have specifically requested ecclesiastical approval from His Beatitude, which the Patriarchate itself will be using" (the text has been divulged in recent hours by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, ed.).
"All those who can should partake, on August 14 and 15, in the celebrations at Gethsemane following the program provided by the Custodial Secretariat, and the others should enhance the celebrations in their fraternities and insert the appropriate ‘Supplication for peace to the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven’", Father Patton concluded. (F.B.) (Fides News Agency 12/8/2024)


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