Bishop Boyea released the following statement Tuesday, September 3, 2013:
As the media have widely reported, Pope Francis has asked that Saturday, September 7, be observed as a day of fast and prayer for peace in the mideast, particularly in Syria. The Pope's message is addressed to all Catholics, as well as to persons of good will from other faith traditions throughout the world. Saturday is, as the Pope observed in his Angelus message this past Sunday, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace.
Pope Francis condemned both the use of chemical weapons in Syria and the current proposal to respond with military force. “How much suffering, how much devastation, how much pain has the use of arms carried in its wake in that martyred country, especially among civilians and the unarmed!” Saying that “War begets war, violence begets violence,” he is asking instead that prayers and fasting be the response of Christians and others who seek peace.
In Rome, the day of prayer will conclude with a vigil in Saint Peter’s Square, beginning at 7:00 p.m. and lasting until midnight (local time). Pope Francis has asked local dioceses to arrange similar gatherings.
My request is that parishes throughout the Diocese of Lansing join with the Holy Father and the universal Church is this plea for Divine assistance. Perhaps from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., our parishes could provide for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, accompanied by a Rosary or other prayers for peace chosen by the pastor. Whether or not they are able to participate in such a parish event, I ask the Faithful of this Diocese to pray throughout the day for peace.
Additionally, I ask that they prayerfully consider a fast from a portion of their usual food or some other voluntary act of personal sacrifice.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.