Jacksonville, Fla. – The Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace is hosting the first annual Mass for Peace on Sunday, Oct. 7, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville. Prior to the Mass there will be a rosary for peace at 4:30 p.m.

Bishop Felipe J. Estévez will celebrate the Mass inviting Catholics and the community to come together to pray for peace in our world. Participating in the Mass will be a children’s choir made up of students from Holy Family Catholic School.

“The Mass was planned close to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4) who was known for his care for creation and the poor – and it is taking place on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, so the school children will be leading those in attendance in a Scriptural Rosary for Peace and Justice,” said Nancy O’Byrne, chair of the diocesan Justice and Peace Commission. “Sunday Oct. 7 is also Respect Life Sunday, which sends the message that working and praying for peace is an important life issue that our church champions,” she said.

Each person attending the Mass will receive a prayer card with a prayer written by Pope John Paul II:

Mary, Queen of Peace, we entrust our lives to you. Shelter us from war, hatred and oppression. Teach us to live in peace, to educate ourselves for peace. Inspire us to act justly, to revere all God has made. Root peace firmly in our hearts and in our world. Amen.

A reception will follow the Mass in the parish hall. Students from Holy Family have submitted artwork that will be on display. The artwork depicts students’ interpretation of what peace looks like to them.

For more information, call Nancy O’Byrne at (904) 422-3618 or email: obyrnen@bellsouth.net.