Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has extended an invitation to the priests, Religious, and lay individuals within the western Indian archdiocese to observe October 27 as a day dedicated to prayer, penance, and fasting for the cause of peace.
In his circular from Rome, Cardinal Ferrao expressed, “Dearly beloved, In a world marked by conflict and suffering, the ongoing strife in Israel and Palestine serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for global peace. We bear witness to a crisis that claims numerous lives and inflicts immeasurable pain. Our Holy Father, Francis, consistently emphasizes his concern for the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Israel, urging all parties to lay down their arms.”
On October 18, during his General Audience, Pope Francis implored, “Lay down weapons and heed the pleas for peace from the impoverished, the people, and innocent children. War does not resolve issues; it only begets death and devastation, while fostering hatred. War annihilates the prospects for the future.”
The pontiff extended a call to all Christians to dedicate October 27 to prayer and fasting for peace, welcoming individuals from diverse Christian denominations, other faiths, and all peace advocates to partake in their own ways. Pope Francis announced that a central event would be held, featuring an hour of prayer at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with the aim of invoking global peace.
Pope Francis concluded, “I urge all the individual Churches to participate by organizing similar initiatives that involve the people of God.”
Cardinal Ferrao’s letter highlights the pivotal role that prayer and penance can play in the world’s quest for peace. He stressed, “While we encourage individuals and families to join in this worldwide spiritual endeavor, we implore our parish priests, chaplains, heads of institutions, and leaders of Religious communities to arrange at least an hour of prayer for this purpose among the people they oversee.”
Cardinal Ferrao calls for his community to unite in fervent prayer for peace, particularly in Israel and Palestine. He noted, “Let us collectively undertake acts of penance to dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of reconciliation and peace. Our combined efforts, supported by God’s grace, can offer hope and healing to a land that has long yearned for peace.”
