Prayers for Ukraine
February 25, 2022 • Diocese of St. Augustine

Bishop Felipe Estévez is calling on the people of the Diocese of St. Augustine to join Pope Francis’ call to a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2.

A Ukrainian residing in Japan shows a placard during a protest rally denouncing Russia over its actions in Ukraine, near the Russian Embassy in Tokyo Feb. 23, 2022. Pope Francis expressed “great sorrow” over the situation in Ukraine and called on Christians to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2. (CNS photo/Issei Kato, Reuters)

“We cannot be indifferent to this savage violation of people’s sovereignty. Our solidarity moves us to seek a prompt and peaceful outcome,” said Bishop Estévez.

Before concluding his general audience on Feb. 23, the Holy Father called on believers and nonbelievers to combat the “diabolical insistence, the diabolical senselessness of violence” with prayer and fasting.

“I invite everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting for peace,” he said. “I encourage believers in a special way to devote themselves intensely to prayer and fasting that day. May the Queen of Peace protect the world from the folly of war,” he said.

The pope said that due to the “alarming” developments in the region, “once again, the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests.”

“I would like to appeal to those with political responsibilities to do a serious examination of conscience before God, who is the God of Peace and not of war, who is the father of all and not only of some, who wants us to be brothers and sisters and not enemies,” he said.

Bishop Estévez will livestream Mass on Ash Wednesday from the Catholic Center Chapel at noon. To join, visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/DOSACatholics) or YouTube Channel at (youtube.com/DOSACatholics).