Reminder: Irish bishops to lead prayer and fasting in solidarity with those suffering humanitarian crises

In an urgent appeal for peace and solidarity, Irish bishops have called on the faithful to dedicate this Friday, 6 June, as a day of prayer and fasting. The plea comes amid the deepening humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other conflict zones.

The bishops described Gaza’s situation as “a humanitarian catastrophe” and voiced grave concern over the reports of starvation, blocked aid, and continued bombardments.

“Our parishioners are reporting their horror and helplessness on seeing images of death and communal destruction in Gaza,” the bishops said.  “Exhausted mothers can no longer nourish their young, children are dying of malnutrition, while aid lorries full of supplies are being refused entry into the territory, or are not safely arriving at their destination.”

Bishops called on the faithful to turn to prayer during this month of June, traditionally dedicated to prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, asking for “an outpouring of the compassion of God on a heartless world.”

“To see the relentless bombardment of civilian areas, the deliberate withholding of food from the starving, as well as the callous holding of hostages, it appears that humanity has lost its heart,” bishops said.  “In the face of this destruction, we invite everyone to turn to the heart of Jesus throughout the month of June by praying for the renewal of heart that our world so desperately needs.”