Ireland: Archbishop Martin invites prayers for peace

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

Archbishop Eamon Martin has issued a message to clergy and religious in Armagh inviting them to celebrate the Feast of Saint Malachy, and pray for peace on Tuesday, 3 November at 7.30pm in Saint Malachy's Church, Armagh.

Archbishop Martin writes: "In a video message this week to those gathered at the International meeting for Peace at Assisi, Pope Leo XIV said, 'We must build peace everywhere, not prepare for more wars.'

In a world, and indeed in our own communities, marked by uncertainty, division and unrest, we are reminded of the urgent need to become people of peace. We remain deeply troubled by war, especially in the Holy Lands and Ukraine.

Pope Leo points us to the troubling revival of violence and war in politics, and the accumulation of arms in many countries of the world. He offers us the path of Saint Francis and the saints, that God may make us "unarmed instruments of His peace".

Prayer for peace is never in vain. As we look to the example of the saints, we find inspiration and wisdom to guide us along the path of reconciliation, helping us to build communities where dignity is respected, differences are embraced and the freedom to live according to God's plan is cherished. We pray with Pope Leo that God may "touch the hearts of those who seek war and terrorism."

It is in this spirit that I warmly invite you to join me in celebrating the Feast of our great local saint, Saint Malachy, and praying for peace on Tuesday, 3 November at 7.30pm in Saint Malachy's Church, Armagh.

During this Mass, we will pray particularly for all those affected by conflict and violence throughout the world, and for reconciliation and lasting peace in our own land. As we honour the legacy of Saint Malachy, may his example of faith, courage and service inspire us to be instruments of peace in our families, our communities and our society.

I encourage you to come along and to extend this invitation to your family, friends and neighbours. Let us gather as one diocesan family, united in faith and hope, asking the Lord to heal divisions, strengthen the work of reconciliation and lead us towards a more peaceful future.

At the conclusion of Mass, an opportunity will be provided to receive a blessing with the relic of Saint Malachy.

May Saint Malachy intercede for us, and may the peace of Christ take root in every heart and every community."