Message for Goa's Catholics: Dedicate Ash Wednesday to peace in war-ravaged Ukraine

The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, has appealed to the Catholic community in Goa and Daman to observe Ash Wednesday as a day of prayer and fasting to pray for peace, particularly in Ukraine and Russia.

He stated that the military operation, launched by Russia on the neighbouring Republic of Ukraine, has sent shockwaves throughout the globe, and is a threat to world peace.

"As followers of the Prince of Peace, we cannot remain indifferent to this grave situation; we need indeed to arm ourselves with the spiritual ‘weapons’ of prayer and sacrifice," the archbishop added.

The archbishop also made a mention of Pope Francis' universal call to people to observe the forthcoming Ash Wednesday (March 2, 2022) as a day of fasting and prayer, particularly for peace in Ukraine and Russia. He added, “In solidarity with the Pope, I too urge the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful in our Archdiocese to spend this day in prayer and fasting, for the end of the violence, which is afflicting the Ukrainian and the Russian people."

"We need to begin and keep praying with intensity even now, as the conflict continues to rage with every passing day, not showing any signs of abatement," he said.

The archbishop has exhorted Catholics to pray the daily Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for this exclusive intention during these days.

"As we enter the Lenten Season, let us remind ourselves that only Christ can deliver us from the clutches of the Evil One, whose chief strategy is to sow disunity and discord among peoples and individuals. May our prayer and sacrifice help combat and vanquish the forces which seek to divide the human family by promoting conflict and warfare," he concluded.