Day of Prayer and Reflection for Gaza - Sunday 24th August

On Sunday, 24 August parishes across Ireland are invited to unite once more in a Day of Prayer and Reflection for Gaza.

Ten weeks ago, the Catholic Bishops of Ireland called for the month of June to be a time of prayer and solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza. Heartbreakingly, since then, the situation has deteriorated further. Innocent lives continue to be lost, many of them children and families while hunger, violence and devastation tighten their grip on a people caught in the crossfire.

In his most recent pastoral letter, Archbishop Eamon echoes the urgent appeals of Pope Leo XIV, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Heads of Churches in the Holy Land for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and respect for international humanitarian law. As Pope Leo reminds us,

“Every human being has an intrinsic dignity bestowed by God Himself.” - Pope Leo

The Irish Bishops have condemned, in the strongest terms, the genocidal acts being carried out with the sanction of the Israeli government, actions that have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. Such disproportionate violence is described as “unconscionable… and immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively.”

The ongoing suffering of hostages held by Hamas and the cruel withholding of their remains from their families is also acknowledged and unequivocally condemned.

In the face of such darkness, this call to prayer is a call to hope.

Click here to view the letter from Archbishop Eamon.

“Christ is not absent from Gaza, He is there, crucified in the wounded, buried under rubble, and yet present in every act of mercy, every candle in the darkness, every hand extended to the suffering.” - Cardinal Pizzaballa.

How Can We Respond?

On Sunday, 24 August, you are invited to take part in 24 hours of prayer and reflection.

Whether as a parish or in the quiet of your own home, please consider:

• Attending Mass and offering it for peace in Gaza
• Spending time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
• Praying the Rosary for peace and justice
• Lighting a candle at home or in your parish church
• Making a small personal sacrifice or act of penance
• Reaching out to your political representatives to advocate for justice and humanitarian aid
• Supporting trusted aid organisations bringing relief to Gaza

This is a moment for our nation to radiate the light of Christ into the darkness, a light of peace, of justice and of hope for our world. Let us stand together, as one body in Christ, for the people of Gaza and for all who long for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.