10/03/2026
๐๏ธ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๏ธ
In response to the escalating violence and growing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, a Mass for Peace will be celebrated by Very Rev Bernard Gordon, Parish Priest of Lumen Christi Parish.
๐ St Francis Xavier Cathedral Wollongong
๐ Wednesday, 11 March 2026
โฐ 12:10pm
During this season of Lent, Pope Leo XIV has urged the faithful to pray for peace and to โfast from words and acts of hatred and conflict,โ rediscovering the peace that Christ offers to the world.
In a statement from Timothy Costelloe, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the bishops expressed deep alarm at the escalating violence now engulfing the Middle East.
The loss of life, the fear experienced by ordinary people, and the destabilisation of an already fragile region weigh heavily on our hearts. As Pope Leo warned this week, we stand โfaced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions.โ
The Holy Father has appealed to all parties to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss. Violence only multiplies suffering; war is never the answer and is always a defeat for humanity.
We remember especially the innocent: those who have lost their lives, the injured and traumatised, families separated or displaced, and communities living in fear. We also pray for Australians currently in the region, including those serving in peacekeeping and humanitarian roles, and for their families who wait anxiously at home.
We pray for leaders across the world, that their decisions may be guided by human dignity, the common good, justice and peace.
All people of faith and goodwill are warmly invited to join us in prayer for peace and healing in a region that has suffered far too long.
๐ โBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.โ (Matthew 5:9)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW INVITE TO PRAY FOR PEACE
https://lumenchristi.org.au/630-260306-lumen-christi-pastoral-invitation-pray-for-peace/file