Dear Parishioners:
Last Saturday, on October 7, the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, the world watched in shock and horror the Hamas terrorist attack launched from Gaza upon the State of Israel and her people. The murder of men, women, and children and the kidnapping of innocent civilians are rightly condemned as evil and vile.
Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, called for the release of hostages, respect for the lives of innocent civilians, and prayers for peace in the Holy Land. He said: “As we pray urgently for peace, we recall especially all the families and individuals suffering from these events. Almost 50 years to the day of the launch of the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, once again war is spilling out in the Holy Land. With it brings the mounting casualties and hostilities unfolding on all sides, and increased threats to the Status Quo of the Holy Places among Jews, Muslims, and Christians further dimming any hope for peace.”
As custodians of the Christian faith in the Holy Land, the Patriarchs and Head of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement calling for prayers for peace. They said: “We stand in solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring the devastating consequences of continued strife. We unequivocally condemn any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or faith.“
Pope Francis, at his weekly Angelus Address in St. Peter’s Square, offered his prayerful condolences, saying: “Let the attacks and weapons cease, please, because it must be understood that terrorism and war bring no solutions, but only the death and suffering of many innocent lives. War is a defeat. Every war is a defeat. Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine.”
In light of this horrific attack and the ongoing wars, let us pray more frequently and fervently during this month dedicated to the Holy Rosary. Pray a Rosary for the consolation of those who grieve, the healing of the injured and wounded, and the many victims, but especially for peace. St. Padre Pio said: “The rosary is the weapon for these times.” Indeed, it must be our spiritual weapon against evil and injustice.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary recalls the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. An outnumbered Christian force prevented a Muslim Invasion force of some 120,000 aboard 275 ships. Catholics attributed their victory to the fervent praying of the Rosary, at the urging of Pope Pius V, for their success against the jihad aimed at Western Europe.
Prayer is all that many of us have to offer at these tragic moments. Some cynics might wonder the point of praying when forces are in the field and minds are made up. Yet prayer is its own form of disruption. It’s an unwelcome invasion into the logic of power, a counter-offensive to evil, violence, and horror. It occupies a place – in minds and hearts – that those who call for violence and wage war can never occupy. In Catholic terms, prayer is a reminder that our place, our time, is not just now but infinite. That the efforts of those who bring violence into the world are, in the scope of this infinite picture, inevitably futile.
Given the horrific events of last week’s attacks and continued violence in the Holy Land, it may be hard to believe in this. Yet prayer is about hope as we take refuge in God and place our concerns before the One who has the power to make a difference where all other efforts have failed.
In your daily prayers, include this Prayer for Peace composed by St. Pope John Paul II:
“Lord Jesus Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace, who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, ‘Peace to you’– please grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers so that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples on the earth become brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen.”
Pray a Rosary for peace! Join us for Devotions on Monday as we turn Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace. Do good. Be well. God Bless.