Bishops Call for Nationwide Prayers - St. Patrick's Day

At this time of war in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, bishops invite Irish parishioners, at home and abroad to pray in a particular way tomorrow, 17 March, Saint Patrick’s Day, for peace and for the safety of all migrants around the globe.

As we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year we remember our national patron as an advocate for peace and reconciliation. We encourage everyone to unite in prayer for world peace. Given the significance of Ireland’s national feast day, we also ask parishes to reach out to people from around the world who have come to live within our communities, and to extend greetings of prayerful support and solidarity at this time.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
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;
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.


A PRAYER FOR PEACE (Source: My Catholic Life)
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the true King of peace.
In You alone is found freedom.

Please free our world from conflict.
Bring unity to troubled nations.
Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart.

Dispel all darkness and evil.
Protect the dignity of every human life.
Replace hatred with Your love.

Give wisdom to world leaders.
Free them from selfish ambition.
Eliminate all violence and war.

Glorious Virgin Mary,
Saint Michael the Archangel,
Every angel and saint:
Please pray for peace.
Pray for unity amongst nations.
Pray for unity amongst all people.
Pray for the most vulnerable.
Pray for those suffering.
Pray for the fearful.
Pray for those most in need.
Pray for us all.

Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear our prayers.
Jesus, I trust in You!

Amen.