Pope Francis has called for Ash Wednesday, March 2, to be a Day of Fasting for Peace in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia
At his General Audience on Feb. 23, Pope Francis stated:
“My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests.
I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.
And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God's weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.
Let us join Pope Francis in fasting and praying for peace on Ash Wednesday. Let us ask Our Lady's intercession for peace in the world, which we so badly need.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help
or sought your intercession
was left unaided.
Inspired with confidence, I fly to you,
O virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy,
hear and answer me.
Amen.
The Marian Fathers invite the faithful to unite in prayer and continue to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet for peace and an end to war in Ukraine.
Click here to learn how to pray for peace and persist with the Marian Father at the Shrine of Divine Mercy.
"Pray the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary
to obtain peace in the world . . . for she alone can save it."
- Our Lady of Fatima, July 13, 1917
Jesus said to St. Faustina, "Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy."
- Diary of Saint Faustina, entry 300
Pray the Holy Rosary with your fellow OLPH parishioners…
- 9 am Monday through Saturday in the Lady chapel
- Watch the Sacred Rosary videos located at this link on the OLPH homepage https://vimeopro.com/olphglenview/olph-rosary
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Jesus, I Trust in You!
Photo: The Saint Vladimir Monument, overlooking the Dnieper River in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash)
Donations for Ukraine
Parishioner Irina Konchan is organizing a collection of critical items needed for Ukraine. Items can be dropped off at her house and then she will deliver them to the shipping center in Palatine.
Parishioners can also deliver them directly to the shipping company Meest which will load planes here in Chicago and fly them directly to Ukraine.
Updates:
- First Aid kits
- Large clear plastic containers
- Thermal wear for men
- There is a new centralized website that has links for monetary donations. The funds created by National Bank Of Ukraine are here https://helpukrainetogether.com/
- The Amazon wish list is here too https://helpukrainetogether.com/ (scroll to the bottom of the page) The wish list will be updated as needs change
You can drop off your donations at 1147 Longmeadow Dr. in Glenview, IL 60025
or directly to Ukrainian shipping company Meest at
6725 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Or 1645 Hicks Rd Unit K, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
For more information, please contact Irina Konchan irina@konchan.com
