My brothers and sisters, I am sure that you share my horror at the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the deaths and injuries of innocent Ukrainians and the destruction taking place within their country. I know there are people of Ukrainian descent here in our state who have relatives and friends who are now in harm’s way, and I offer the prayers and the support of the Catholic community to them as they desire. I ask all Catholics to pray and fast with a particular intercession for peace in that country and the withdrawal of troops back across the Russian and Belarus borders.

Join us in praying a Novena for World Peace at facebook.com/DioBurlington.

PRAYER INTENTIONS

Day 1 — Monday, March 14 Today we pray for an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, deadly weapons, or cold indifference.

Day 2 — Tuesday, March 15 Today we pray our homes, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace.

Day 3 — Wednesday, March 16 Today we pray for healing and justice for all those who have experienced violence and racism.

Day 4 — Thursday, March 17 Today we pray for the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language or culture.

Day 5 — Friday, March 18 Today we pray for our faith community, that we may respond boldly to the Holy Spirit’s call to act together to end violence and racism.

Day 6 — Saturday, March 19 Today we pray for the protection of all first responders and members of the military who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety.

Day 7 — Sunday, March 20 Today we pray for leaders around world, that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations.

Day 8 — Monday, March 21 Today we pray for solidarity in our global human family, that we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need.

Day 9 — Tuesday, March 22 Today we pray that the Lord grants us peace, teaches us peace and guides our steps in the way of peace.

Mary, Queen of Peace, please preserve the world from the madness of war. Reunite families torn apart. Comfort frightened children. Console the sick and elderly who suffer alone. Shield the men and women defending their homes. Change the hearts of leaders to seek peaceful solutions. Bring harmony to our broken world. We ask all this through your help and intercession, Most Blessed Mother, as you lead and direct us each day into greater love for and obedience to your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne

Bishop of Burlington

—Originally published in the March 12-18, 2022, edition of The Inland See.