Bishop urges Catholic communities to pray the Rosary for peace as war widens
A BISHOP serving the Middle East is appealing to Catholics to pray the Rosary for “peace and reconciliation” as conflicts sweeps across the region.
Joint US-Israeli attacks started on Saturday (28th February) which triggered retaliatory strikes by Iran on various countries in the Middle East including the Gulf.
Airports, buildings, ports, and several civilian structures were struck particularly in cities such as Doha, Manama, and Kuwait City as well as UK and US bases.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, spoke to Vatican News appealing to the Catholic communities living in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen to pray the Rosary for “peace and reconciliation.”
Asking the faithful to pray for the “peace and security of all the peoples of this region” he added: “Our Lady of Arabia, watch over us all; that our patrons, Peter and Paul, protect us; and that the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi grant us peace.”
His comments echo a call for prayer made by Regina Lynch, Executive President of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) (International).
She said: “We call for prayer and solidarity.
“Whatever the political developments may be, the Christian presence and the Church’s mission in the Middle East must continue.”
Ms Lynch warned that a further escalation of violence could have devastating consequences for Christian communities throughout the region.
“The Christian presence in the Middle East must not die out.
“A new spiral of violence could push already fragile communities beyond the point of survival.”
Ms Lynch said already precarious situations for Christians in Iraq, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Lebanon, have been further exacerbated by the war.
She added: “The longing for freedom and dignity among peoples in the region is legitimate.
“But the price of renewed war would be extremely high. Civilians always suffer most, and Christians are often among the most defenceless.”
