US bishops urge Catholics to take part in day of prayer, fasting for Syria
September 04, 2013
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Richard Pates, chairman of its Committee on International Justice and Peace, have issued a statement urging the nation’s Catholics to take part in the Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria proclaimed by Pope Francis.
“We are anguished by the terrible suffering of the Syrian people and again affirm the need for dialogue and negotiation to resolve this conflict that has wrought so much devastation,” the prelates said. “The use of chemical weapons is particularly abhorrent and we urgently pray for the victims of such atrocities and for their loved ones.”
“As our nation's leaders contemplate military action, it is particularly appropriate and urgent that we in the United States embrace the Holy Father's call to pray and fast on September 7 for a peaceful end to the conflict in Syria and to violent conflicts everywhere,” they added. “May our prayers, fasting, and advocacy move our nation to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria. And may Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us and the people of Syria.”
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