This month, Fr Fadi prays for our Holy Father’s intentions, for Christians in areas of conflict. We pray for the protection of our brothers and sisters who are in places of danger, that they may hold onto the peace of Christ during troubling times. Fr Fadi reminds us that true peace begins in each of our hearts. May we be a light in the darkness, a refuge for the weary and a voice for justice and reconciliation in our troubled world.
Transcript
Hi, I’m Fr Fadi Salame and I’m here today to pray with you Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of December. Which is for Christians in areas of conflict. Pope Francis said, “Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.” Living as Christians in the Middle East is both a gift and a calling. Our land has known the footsteps of Christ, the voice of the prophets, and the birth of the Church, yet it is also a land marked by pain, division, and conflict. In the midst of this reality, we are called to be seeds of peace when we refuse to allow hatred or revenge to take root in our hearts. True peace begins within us. When we choose forgiveness over bitterness, dialogue over division, and love over fear. We become seeds of reconciliation when we build bridges instead of walls, when we reach out to our neighbour, regardless of their religion or background, and see in them the image of God. And we become seeds of hope when we continue to believe that God’s light can still shine even in the darkest times. As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we are called to keep our hearts open and our hands ready to serve. We may not change the world overnight, but like seeds planted in good soil, our witness, our faith, forgiveness, and perseverance will one day bear fruit. And so, we pray. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we lift up our brothers and sisters who live in places torn by violence and war. Surround them with Your protection, fill their hearts with courage, and sustain their hope amid suffering. Grant them the strength to remain faithful witnesses of Your love, even when surrounded by hatred. Touch the hearts of those who sow division, that peace may take root and grow. May Your Church be a light in the darkness, a refuge for the weary, and a voice for justice and reconciliation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.