Prayer for Peace – August 14, Day of Prayer and Fasting

For the upcoming August 14, the vigil of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the UISG (International Union of Superiors General) invites all religious communities, and all those who wish to join, in a day of prayer and fasting for peace.

This invitation arises from the urgent need to respond concretely to the pain that wounds humanity. As stated in the UISG declaration:

“In a world torn apart by war and inhumanity we cannot remain silent spectators. […] As Women at the frontiers, walking alongside those who suffer, listening to the cry of the poor and of the earth, we hold the responsibility to build communion, to protect life, and to call for justice”.

From this deep awareness comes the call to pray and fast together, to open our hearts to listening and keep hope alive even in difficulties.

We, the Claretian Missionary Sisters, together with all those who walk with us, join this invitation to take part in this day of prayer and fasting.

Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and Our Lady of Peace, we now share the prayer prepared by the UISG to accompany this moment.

Mary, Mother of Peace,
in this time wounded by war,
we entrust to you all peoples torn apart by hatred,
all families divided, all hearts broken by violence.

You who held sorrow in silence,
teach us how to keep watch,
not to look away,
to remain close to those who suffer,
to pray even when words are no longer enough.

Lord Jesus, grant peace to our world,
not the peace imposed by force,
but the peace born of justice,
of forgiveness, of truth, of love.

Make us instruments of your peace:
hands that lift up,
voices that console,
hearts that open wide.

We pray for women and children who are victims of war,
for migrants on the run, for those imprisoned by fear.
We pray for those who have lost hope,
and for those who continue to sow hatred.

May our fasting become solidarity,
may our prayer become action,
may our silence give voice to the voiceless.

Mary, Queen of Peace,
intercede for us,
so that in every corner of the earth
the light of the Gospel may shine again.

Amen.