God in heaven, we pause to remember the many communities currently subject to war and political suppression.
We pray for an end to violence and the establishment of freedom of political expression in all countries.
Father Bertin Namboho, bursar of Nouna Diocese, western Burkina Faso, describes extremist groups in control of approximately 40% of the country’s territory as dangerous as the Nigerian Boko Haram. Terrorists have massacred up to 240 people – around 100 of them Christian – and kidnapped many more in Burkina Faso since May.
For the preservation of human life – Lord, graciously hear us.
In an agreement reached between Guatemala, Nicaragua, the United States, and several other countries 135 political prisoners were recently released and expatriated to Guatemala.
For the health and safety of the world’s prisoners of conscience – Lord, graciously hear us.
Children were locked out of schools in the state of Manipur, India, last week due a rocket attack by insurgents.
For the elimination of fear and violence affecting children in the world’s schools – Lord, graciously hear us.
The Venezuelan opposition leader and former presidential candidate, Edmundo González, has gone into exile in Spain. González chose exile because “his life was in danger,” opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on ‘X’ earlier, citing a “brutal wave of repression” in the election aftermath.
For strife-ridden countries facing domestic turmoil following questionable elections – Lord, graciously hear us.
An opposition war monitor reporting on a substantial strike by Israeli jets on Syrian targets in which at least 25 people were killed, said it was one of the most violent such attacks in years.
For the de-escalation of the war between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and for the safety of everyone in the Middle East – Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
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