There will be a small prayer service downstairs at St. Peter’s Church (931 Main Street) in Worcester this Saturday at 3:30pm as part of the Church-wide day of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria.
The Catholic Free Press reports on other Worcester-area events:
The bishop said he would ask those attending the Hispanic Marian celebration Saturday in Worcester to use the occasion to pray for peace. . . .
Father Tomasz J. Borkowski, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Whitinsville, said he is planning an ecumenical service there from 7-8 p.m. Saturday. . . .
Father Robert A. Grattaroti, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Charlton, extended an invitation to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. . . .
Father Adam Reid, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Webster, said he plans to involve local Catholics in the call for prayer and fasting in a number of ways.
Presumably every mass in the diocese will have prayers for peace in Syria.
Assumption College, Worcester: “A group of students is organizing a Rosary for peace at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 12 midnight. All members of the community are invited to join in this prayer vigil and to visit the Chapel throughout the day on Saturday. ”
Pope Francis has asked all Catholics to pray and fast for peace in Syria this Saturday:
May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and be let themselves be led by the desire for peace.
To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative.
On 7 September, in Saint Peter’s Square, here, from 19:00 until 24:00, we will gather in prayer and in a spirit of penance, invoking God’s great gift of peace upon the beloved nation of Syria and upon each situation of conflict and violence around the world. Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and to hear words of hope and peace! I ask all the local churches, in addition to fasting, that they gather to pray for this intention.
Tony Homsy, SJ: A Prayer for Syria
GOD, please help us to build world peace, avoid bloodshed and build a better world. There is room for is all. Amen