I got this from Sr Emmanuelle in Medjugorje. We can unite our efforts on October 17th for the conversion of hearts in the Holy Land so there can be peace. https://aleteia.org/2023/10/11/patriarch-of-jerusalem-sets-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/ Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa sets next Tuesday for day of prayer, abstinence, and fasting for peace in the Holy Land. The newly created cardinal who is also the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is calling on Christians to pray and fast for peace in the Holy Land. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has asked that on Tuesday, October 17, “everyone hold a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer.” The cardinal, who just returned to Jerusalem after spending some time in Italy, issued a letter Wednesday on behalf of himself and other bishops of the Holy Land, in response to the escalating war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic political organization that runs the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Israel’s military has secured the border and areas that were affected by the incursion in the southwest of the country. It has targeted what it says are Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip and is preparing to launch a ground invasion of the territory, where some 2 million people live. The Israeli government has begun a siege of Gaza, cutting off water, electricity and other vital supplies. “The pain and dismay at what is happening is great. Once again we find ourselves in the midst of a political and military crisis,” Cardinal Pizzaballa wrote. “We have suddenly been catapulted into a sea of unprecedented violence. The hatred, which we have unfortunately already been experiencing for too long, will increase even more, and the ensuing spiral of violence will create more destruction. Everything seems to speak of death.” But, the patriarch said, in order not to “remain helpless,” it is important to pray, “to turn our hearts to God the Father.” “Only in this way we can draw the strength and serenity needed to endure these hard times, by turning to Him, in prayer and intercession, to implore and cry out to God amidst this anguish,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said. As president of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, he issued an invitation to “all parishes and religious communities to a day of fasting and prayer for peace and reconciliation.” “We ask that on Tuesday, October 17, everyone hold a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer,” he wrote. “Let us organize prayer times with Eucharistic Adoration and with the recitation of the Rosary to Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Although most probably in many parts of our dioceses circumstances will not permit large gatherings, it is possible to organize simple and sober common moments of prayer in parishes, religious communities, and families.” The patriarch said that this is the way “we all come together despite everything, and unite collectively in prayer, to deliver to God the Father our thirst for peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
Wanted to bump this as a reminder that tomorrow (Oct 17th) we’ve been asked to prayer, abstain and fast for peace in the Holy Land.
The Holy Father has also asked for prayers and fasting today. Prayer is truly the only weapon to overcome evil….. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023/documents/20231015-angelus.html
What's a black fast? Is it a whole day without food? I saw this thread too late to try that (I'm kinda relieved at that) but not too kate to fast and abstain as we do on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Thanks to Andree for opening the thread, and thanks to Miker for bumping it.
One thing about this cardinal that I find fascinating is that since Jerusalem is the land in which the church was born, it seems to me that after the bishop of Rome, he carries a certain prerogative of "Second among Equals" in the sense of summoning the entire church to deepen prayer.
Thanks … was unaware of thus from Christian pov. As said by others, it’s similar to the Ramadan fast. I usually do a version of this one day a week where I don’t eat any food but do drink water. I must confess that I sort of “cheat” in that I started this and still do for the physical benefits. I try to add in the much more difficult “fast” for me which is to avoid my salty language and judgements. It’s a struggle. I am very blessed with my 6 year old grandson who is at our house everyday. When I slip .. he says “hey pop, please watch your mouth” I also made a deal that each slip costs me a $1 which we put in a jar … 1/2 goes to a local charity and 1/2 to my grandson for helping me.
Didn’t know about the black fast but I went for 24 hrs on only tea and black coffee. Prayed for the intention and my usual Divine Office and rosary. Added the Angelus as I don’t often remember to say it. For the peace of Jerusalem, pray May there be peace to your homes May peace reign in your walls In your palaces, peace! (Ps 121)
Thank you. I might try a modified version (a grey fast?) next Ash Wednesday or Good Friday although I'm not sure what kind of meal would exclude dairy as well as meat. Maybe a ready made vegan meal from the supermarket would be suitable.
