Pope Francis has appealed to the Church throughout the world to join in prayerful solidarity for the Holy Spirit to send the gift of peace to Iraq. The Iraqi people have been subject to horrific violence in recent months and Christians in Iraq have been mercilessly persecuted.
U.S. Catholics have been invited by the Bishops to unite in prayer on Sunday, August 17. The following prayer was written by the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako:
Lord,
The plight of our country is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening.
Therefore, we ask you Lord to spare our lives, and to grant us patience, and courage to continue our witness of Christian values with trust and hope.
Lord, peace is the foundation of life;
Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy.
Glory be to you forever.
Amen.
