The attack on Ukraine is on the mind of the Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, Douglas Lucia. In a statement released to X101 News, the Bishop calls the situation disturbing and saddening. He urged us all to join Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday (March 2) for a day of prayer and fasting for the people of Ukraine. Lucia also asks the faithful to pray a “Rosary for Peace” before masses during the season of Lent.
The following letter is from Bishop Lucia:
Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia
Bishop of Syracuse
February 24, 2022
Statement on the Crisis in the Ukraine:
I join the Roman Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Syracuse in prayerful solidarity with our sisters and brothers of the sovereign nation of the Ukraine. It is most disturbing and saddening to see a nation which acclaims religious orthodoxy to attack fellow believers in such an aggressive and unjust manner. Let us pray for a conversion of heart and for an end to what one can only describe as the greatest threat to world peace since the end of the Cold War era.
I express, particularly, to Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuck of Kyiv-Halych, to Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and Metropolitan of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States, and to the Latin Rite Archbishop Mieczylaw Mokrzycki of Lviv, the concern and prayers of all Roman Catholics and people of goodwill in central New York. I ask especially that we join Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday, March 2nd, in a day of prayer and fasting for the people of the Ukraine and an end to the violence afflicting them. I also ask that we use the coming days of the holy season of Lent as ones of prayer, fasting, and charitable works to counter all aggression against the sanctity of human life and all the forces which seek to divide the human family.
This Sunday, February 27th, from 2 to 3 pm all are invited to join in person or via livestream in a “Holy Hour for Peace” at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. Also beginning this weekend and throughout the Lenten season I ask that a “Rosary for Peace” be prayed either before or after all Masses in all the parishes of our Diocese.
In truth, this moment is a wake up call for all believers. If we want to counter the works of evil and sin in our world it must begin with each one of us.: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
Post from St. Anthony’s Church: Let us all join in constant prayer for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Join us on Sundays at St. Anthony’s where the Rosary is always prayed before Mass beginning at 8:50 am. As per Bishop Lucia’s request, beginning this weekend and throughout Lent, we will be praying the “Rosary for Peace.”
Post from Diocese of Syracuse: This Sunday, February 27th, from 2 to 3 pm all are invited to join in person or via livestream in a “Holy Hour for Peace” at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. Also beginning this weekend and throughout the Lenten season Bishop Lucia asks that a “Rosary for Peace” be prayed either before or after all Masses in all the parishes of our Diocese.
