In the wake of the tragic events that have taken place this past week, Pope Francis has encouraged all of us to continue to pray for peace in the world. He tells us, “I want to strongly reaffirm that the path of violence and hatred doesn’t solve the problems of humanity!”

Here at Catholic Sistas we stand beside our Papa in praying for those who have been mercilessly murdered and for those who will forever be impacted by the events that have unfolded. We ask that you pray along with us, not only for these people, but for those who have inflicted such cruel and terrible pain upon others. Matthew 5:44 tells us, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” We pray that God will work within their hearts to help them turn from their sins, to accept Christ into their lives, and to work for peace.

Pope John Paul II penned the following prayer for peace. Today and every day we ask our Father to help us usher in peace in our own families, our communities, and in our world.

O God, Creator of the universe, who extends your paternal concern over every creature and guides the events of history to the goal of salvation, we acknowledge your fatherly love when you break the resistance of mankind and, in a world torn by strife and discord, you make us ready for reconciliation. Renew for us the wonders of your mercy: send forth your Spirit that He may work in the intimacy of hearts that enemies may begin to dialogue, that adversaries may shake hands and peoples may encounter one another in harmony. May all commit themselves to the sincere search for true peace which will extinguish all arguments, for charity which overcomes hatred, for pardon which disarms revenge.   Amen.