Jacksonville, Fla. – In keeping with Pope Francis’ call for a day of fasting and prayer for Syria, the Middle East and the World, on Saturday, Sept. 7, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is planning a series of prayers beginning with Mass at noon on Saturday, Sept. 7, in honor of Mary, Queen of Peace.
Immediately following Mass will be solemn Eucharistic Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
At 1:30 p.m., the rosary will be recited at the Cathedral and will include papal teachings and prayers for peace, followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy – a series of prayers recited using rosary beads.
Lastly, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at 2:45 p.m. The Benediction is a ceremony consisting of prayers and hymns, usually with the Eucharist displayed on the altar whereby a priest blesses the congregation.
In addition to prayer, Pope Francis has asked that the community come together and spend this day fasting.
“When we fast, we make a self-sacrifice that is ‘offered up’ for specific needs, in this case, for world peace,” said Father Tom Willis, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. “Fasting may take the form of eating less food, giving up some enjoyable activity for the day (e.g. watching football games) or doing some kind of charitable activity (e.g. feeding the homeless). Whatever you decide to do, do it in solidarity with the many who are suffering because of the atrocities of war, terrorism, distrust and hatred around the world, including our own country,” he said.
To read the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ policy letters on Syria and church teaching, visit: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middleeast/syria/index.cfm.
To read the position of the Holy See on Syria, visit: http://www.news.va/en/news/in-syria-dialogueis-
the-only-option.
The Diocese of St. Augustine encompasses 17 counties of North Florida. It serves more than 182,000 registered Catholics and provides outreach services to members of the community through more than 50 ministries and agencies.