Brothers and Sisters,

Amid the outbreak of violence in the Holy Land, with civilians being killed or taken hostage, we are called to pray and fast for peace.

Let us turn to God every day, joining in prayer particularly with the Christians of the Holy Land, and let us pray for all who live there and for those here who have family members and loved ones in Israel and Palestine.

Let us come together and call on Our Lady of Palestine, Patroness of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. A Mass for Peace will be celebrated on Sunday, October 29, at 5:00 pm at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

As she looks upon our anguish, the violence and the suffering, Mary leads us to Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

† Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal