Families called to pray for peace –Archbishop Paglia

04 Sept. 2013: The President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia on Wednesday urged all families to accept the Pope Francis’ invitation to a day of prayer and fasting on Saturday, (Sept. 7) for peace in Syria and in all nations affected by the tragedy of war. Archbishop Paglia told parents not to be afraid to propose an austere and minimal lunch to their children. He said it will be an opportunity to explain to them what is happening in the world and how these terrible things cannot leave us indifferent. Together with the harshness of the news, don’t forget to communicate the hope of peace offered by the risen Jesus, who has reconciled the world not with violent and vindictive acts but through the gift of Himself. The prelate also exhorted them to invite the grandparents and the elderly to this frugal meal. He said if anyone has experienced moments of war stories, let tell what it means to live under the bombs and with uncertainty about tomorrow.
Archbishop Paglia called on children and young people, not to complain if, on Saturday, there aren’t any big dishes on the table; but rather thank their parents for what they are offering and ask them for explanations and reasons of why it’s worth continuing to live in this land, too often marked by mourning and violence. He urged them to pray at the table for the families of Syria; for the children who die every day from hunger and hatred and for governmental leaders to find peaceful and non-violent solutions to the Syrian crises.
The prelate concluded saying every household can choose their own to pray for peace by reciting a psalm, reading a Gospel passage, or reciting the rosary .
Source: Sedoc