KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Bishop Paul J. Bradley called upon all people to dedicate Ash Wednesday, March 2, as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace.
In a statement issued Thursday, February 24, Bishop Bradley said, “Today the world awakened to the realization of our worst fears as war is being waged in Ukraine by Russia. Let us pray that this war will quickly end, and that innocent lives will be spared. May the world truly awaken to the evil of all war, and the sinfulness of violent aggression. Together let us pray for an end to this violence and a return to peace, as well as for the protection of our Ukrainian sisters and brothers. I join with my brother bishops and echo Pope Francis’ invitation to all people of goodwill to dedicate March 2, 2022, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of our Lenten journey, as a day of prayer and fasting for peace.”
“The season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, provides us with an excellent opportunity to change our minds and hearts so that we can pursue peace, not war, and commit ourselves to finding solutions to all political, social, and economic differences among nations and peoples throughout the world,” said Bishop Bradley.
“I invite Catholics in southwest Michigan, and all people of goodwill everywhere, to join me in making this Ash Wednesday a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. Through this Lenten season, may we be led to a time of renewal in our relationship with God and neighbor, and a bold new determination to reject war and embrace genuine, productive dialogue with one another.”
Bishop Bradley will celebrate the 12:10 pm Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
For additional information and Lenten resources visit www.diokzoo.org
RELEASE BY VICTORIA CESSNA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DIOCESE OF KALAMAZOO
