CACINA COLLEGE OF BISHOPS STATEMENT ON INVASION OF UKRAINE

 College of Bishops  Statement on Russia Invasion of Ukraine

                                                                    

February 25, 2022

The College of Bishops, speaking on behalf of the People of God in the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine and for Russia President Vladimir Putin to withdraw all Russian military forces from Ukraine.  We also call on United States President Joe Biden and his administration to continue efforts with other world leaders to get all parties to the table for diplomatic discussions to resolve conflict and to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.  More than ever, world leaders need to come together to bolster peace between nations for the good of God’s people throughout the world.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” 

Our Prayer for the People of Ukraine

 Lord, send your Spirit of peace upon the people of Ukraine.

Intercede, we pray, to give strength to the weak, protection to the vulnerable,

healing to the broken, and light in the darkness.

O God of love and justice – reign down your power to stop invasion and war

among the peaceful people of Ukraine.

Invade, we pray, the hardened hearts of those who are aggressors with your

peace that passes understanding.

Give us all courage, O Lord, to stand up, speak prophetically, and reach out

to help our neighbors in Ukraine.

Guide us to help in small ways to large and extravagant ways.  In Christ’s name - Amen.                                                                                                                      

In faith and hope we pray

 

PRAYER FOR PEACE

 

Pope Francis on the war in Ukraine: ‘Let the guns be silenced.’

Pope Francis appealed again today, Feb. 27, for an end to the war in Ukraine, for “the silencing of the guns” and the opening of humanitarian corridors to those fleeing the war. “God is with those who work for peace, not with those who use violence,” he said.

The pope’s words were directed to hundreds of pilgrims from many countries, including several waving the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine, who were gathered in St. Peter’s Square. After commenting on the Gospel of the day and reciting the Angelus prayer with them, he spoke.

“I invite everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer and of fasting for peace in Ukraine,” he said, repeating his appeal of last week. He called on people to make it “a day to be close to the suffering of the people of the Ukraine, a day to feel that we are all brothers and sisters and to implore God for the end of the war.”

“The one who makes war forgets humanity,” Pope Francis said. “He doesn’t look at the concrete life of people, but he puts before this all the partisan interests of power. He entrusts himself to the diabolical and perverse logic of arms, which is farthest from the will of God, and he distances himself from the ordinary people who want peace.”

The pope also mentioned the innocent victims of the conflict in Ukraine. “I am thinking of the old people, of those who at this hour seek refuge, of the mothers fleeing with their children,” he said. “They are brothers and sisters for whom it is urgent to open humanitarian corridors, and to give them welcome.” Poland has given refuge to some 150,000 Ukrainians, while Romania, Moldova and Slovakia had also welcomed many refugees.

Pope Francis said that while our “heart is torn for what is happening in Ukraine, let us not forget what is happening also in other parts of the world—in Yemen, in Syria, in Ethiopia.” He called again for an end to the fighting in Ukraine and these countries: “I repeat, let the guns be silenced.” He concluded his Sunday message with a greeting in Ukrainian, saying “Slava Isusu Khrystu,” meaning “Praise to Jesus Christ.”

FCBWP VIRTUAL EVENT IN MARCH

 

Invites You to a Virtual Educational Event

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

We Will Watch the Video

“Proud to Call You My Transgender Son”

Then we will discuss the video by this father of a transgender son in small groups.

After which we will have a time to ask questions, listen to parents, friends, and transgender individuals in a large group session.

This Event is Co-sponsored by:

Chevrei Tzedek Congregation, Open Church of Maryland,

and St. Ignatius Catholic Community

RSVP to Ryan Sattler at ryansattler@co