Pope calls for prayers and fasting as the Israel-Hamas war hits one year

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting on Monday, Oct.  7, the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.

“In this dramatic hour of our history…while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,”the Pope said. “The Christian community is reminded of its call to ‘put itself at the service of humanity,’”

The Pope spoke after Mass in St Peter’s Square for the opening of the second session of the General Assembly of the Synod. 

The Most Reverend Ryan P. Jimenez, Archbishop of Agaña, is currently in Rome, representing the archdiocese and our region of the Pacific as the President of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific.

Archdiocesan Vicar General, Father Romeo Convocar invites Catholics on Guam to join in prayer and fasting on Monday, Oct. 7. 

“Please respond to the Holy Father’s plea for peace,” said Father Romy. “Pray to Our Lord for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and for peace to prevail in all places of conflict. War brings intense suffering and destruction that most of us cannot comprehend.”

The Pope invited all the synod members to accompany him on a visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Oct.  6, the day before the anniversary, where, he said, he will “address a heartfelt petition to the Virgin” for peace, according to the Vatican News story.

“Let us walk together,” the Pope urged. “Let us listen to the Lord. And let us be led by the breeze of the Spirit.”