Archbishop of Montreal, Most Reverend Christian Lépine invites us to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for the victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, the bereaved families.

No matter what the problem may be, we know that war is not the answer and only leads to the loss of innocent lives. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is an attack on the Ukrainian people and a cause of great anguish for Ukrainians and people of Ukrainian descent around the world, in Canada, in Quebec and in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal.

Following the messages issued by Pope Francis and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I call on all the people of our diocese to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for the victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians and the grief-stricken families. Let us pray for an end to the military aggression underway. Let us pray for all of the people in Russia. Let us pray for dialogue, justice and peace.

As Ash Wednesday approaches, March 2, let us prepare to begin Lent by asking with all our hearts that the Lord may make us instruments of his Peace in our families, in our Church, in our society and in the world. Let us join in prayer with those throughout the world, in Ukraine and in Russia, who are praying to Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace.

May the Lord sustain all those of Ukrainian descent in our diocese, those associated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and with the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada, including those in the following parishes: Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church (Pointe-Saint-Charles), Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (Rosemont) and St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church (Ville-Marie Borough). 

We pray that Mary may intercede for us so that we may become ever more peacemakers. We pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten those in power and guide them on the path of peace.

Prayer to Mary Queen of the World for Ukraine and for Peace

Mary Queen of the World

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, an attack on the Ukrainian people, is causing the loss of innocent lives, resulting in great anguish for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent around the world, in Canada, in Quebec and in the Catholic Diocese of Montreal.

We pray to you for peace in Ukraine, on behalf of the victims of this aggression, the soldiers, the civilian population, the bereaved families and the fleeing refugees.

We pray to you for an end to the military aggression underway, for all of the people in Russia, and for dialogue, justice and peace. 

We join in prayer with all those throughout the world, in Ukraine and in Russia, who are praying to Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace.

Mary, Mother of God, we pray to you that the Lord may make us instruments of his Peace, in our families, in our Church, in society and in the world.

Mary, our Mother, intercede on our behalf, so that we may strive ever harder to be peacemakers.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm” (Jer 29:11).
 

May the Holy Spirit enlighten those in power and guide them on the path of peace.

+Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal


Click on this link to help support the civilian population and the Church in Ukraine through CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association)