Irish archbishop calls for prayers for refugees and peace this Lent

Archbishop Eamon Martin

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

In preparation for Lent 2023 Archbishop Eamon Martin said: "Over the last year people around the world have experienced death and suffering on a large scale caused by wars and natural disasters. The effects of climate change continue to impact our most vulnerable sisters and brothers. Now, more than ever, the three pillars of Lent - prayer, charity and sacrifice - are needed for our own spiritual conversion and to support those in need.

"At this time, when homes throughout the country receive their annual Lenten Trócaire box, I encourage families to pray together in a special way, and to fast, for world peace, and for the alleviation of the suffering of refugees who are living amongst us. I also invite everyone to follow our daily #LivingLent digital media initiative to grow closer to God during Lent.

"Our hearts and prayers continue go out to the suffering people of Ukraine. During Lent let our acts of prayer, charity and fasting, each day, be dedicated to the plight of refugees, and for a global peaceful environment. We must always work for peace, pray for peace and make sacrifices for peace. All of us have the capacity to build peace by our words, our actions and our attitudes to others.

"As we approach the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we remember that this agreement was not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new way of living our relationships on this shared island. We must continue the unfinished work of peace and reconciliation. With our words, particularly on social media, we choose to sow peace or conflict, love or hate, to build up, or to tear down, to heal or to hurt, to forgive or to resent, to soothe or to inflame. During Lent we should place a guard over our social media use and learn that as Christians working together on this island we should build bridges in a spirit of collaboration for the greater good."

LINKS

Watch an interview with Archbishop Eamon Martin on the Unfinished Work of Peace ahead of the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiMFkYo-fs8

Irish Catholic Bishops Conference: www.catholicbishops.ie/

The #LivingLent initiative offers short daily suggestions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These include prayer and Scripture reading suggestions; opportunities for penance and fasting in our daily lives, such as to refrain from gossip; fast from negativity online; give up certain foods; availing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession; suggestions for charitable acts like donating to Trócaire and other charities; and donating your time by helping your own family, school, parish. Hashtag #LivingLent can be used and shared to help put themes of prayer, fasting and charity into practice during this Lenten season.