With the support of the International Affairs Department Catholic Bishops’ Conference, England and Wales, our friends at Pax Christi England and Wales have produced a fantastic Peace Sunday 15th January 2023 Liturgy Booklet. We urge you download the resource and to make use of it in your parish.
“Much has changed in the twelve months since we last celebrated ‘Peace Sunday’. War returned to our continent last February with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Then in November the COP27 talks in Egypt brought new focus on the existential threat that climate change brings to many communities – especially the poorest – due to deforestation, desertification, extreme weather events and sea-level rise. Present conflict and the prospect of future conflict both lie before us as we begin a new year. All the more reason, then, to proclaim Christ once more as Prince of Peace and to entrust our world to his mercy.”
May we become instruments of Peace
God, our Creator and Redeemer,
may we see the sorrow of war in the eyes of those who suffer and have known only violence in their lives.
Give us a voice for those who have no voice and are not heard;
those who know that there is no tomorrow in war,
and that the violence of weapons destroys both the beauty of creation and the joy of life.
That way, with your help, will we become true instruments of your peace.
Amen.
Pax Christi 2023 Prayer Card
