Ireland: Bishops to lead special day of prayer for peace in Ukraine

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

As a sign of solidarity and closeness with our European neighbour, Ukraine, clergy throughout the island of Ireland will participate in a special day of prayer for peace this Wednesday, 14 September 2022.

The date for the Day of Prayer has been chosen as 14 September, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is celebrated in a particularly solemn way in the Eastern Rite. On Wednesday, it is envisaged that liturgies will include a prayer for peace in Ukraine during Mass, and that an opportunity for silent Eucharistic Adoration will also be provided on that day.

Archbishop Eamon Martin said: "As a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who have been stricken by war since the 24 February, it is proposed that a day of prayer be held throughout the whole continent. I welcome this powerful prayerful initiative and invite everyone to pray in a special way for peace in Ukraine on Wednesday."

Please see below a message from Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Apostolic visitator for Ukrainians Resident in Ireland and Northern Ireland, followed by a prayer for Ukraine:

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are now in the seventh month since the 24 February full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. President Putin was sure that he would overrun Ukraine in three short days. He did not expect that the people of Ukraine, regardless of their ethnic background, religious affiliation or language group, love their country and are determined to defend it. For Ukrainians there is no going back to the tyranny and oppression that generations experienced under Russian imperial and Soviet rule from the middle of the 17th century. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the people of Eastern Europe, including Russia, had hope for the future, and, until Putin's first invasion in 2014, Ukraine had made great progress as a post-Soviet state. It is truly hard for us to believe that such a war could even be possible, with the kind of horrific brutality against the civilian population that we have seen in the last seven months. At the same time, we are inspired to see how the people of Western Europe have opened their hearts to the thousands that have fled harm's way seeking temporary refuge. In this effort communities across Ireland have also extended their traditional and world-famous Irish hospitality to newly-arrived Ukrainians, for which I am particularly grateful. The struggle is not over yet, and the cost of rebuilding will be unimaginable-broken lives and families, destroyed homes, villages, farmlands, cities, infrastructure. But for now, we give glory to God for his many blessings, and for the grace he has shown us through the kindness and generosity of the wonderful people of Ireland.

Prayer for Ukraine composed by Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski

Almighty and Great God,

accept our gratitude for your boundless mercy towards us.

Hear the supplication of our afflicted hearts for the land and people of Ukraine,

as they confront foreign aggression and invasion.

Open the eyes of those who have been overtaken by a spirit of deception and violence, that they be horrified by their works.

Grant victory over the powers of evil that have arisen and bless Ukraine with your gifts of liberty, peace, tranquility, and good fortune.

We implore you, O Merciful God,

look with grace upon those who courageously defend their land. Remember the mothers and fathers, the innocent children,

widows and orphans, the disabled and helpless,

those seeking shelter and refuge,

who reach out to you and to their fellow human beings looking for mercy and compassion.

Bless the hearts of those who have already shown great generosity and solidarity, and those who prepare to receive their Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Ukraine's greatest time of need.

Bring us together as your children, your creation,

and instil in us your strength, wisdom and understanding.

May you be praised and glorified,

now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.