“The terrible and outrageous attacks and fights in Ukraine keep the whole world in suspense. The injustice, violence, and recklessness result great misery. “Speechless and powerless we come to You”, wrote Bishop Glettler in a prayer for peace, which many people devoutly say at this time. (From the Circular of the Superior General, Sr. Johanna Vogl to the Sisters, March 6, 2022)
With prayer we can make room for the spirit of reconciliation and ask the living God for the undeserved gift of peace. We offer you this prayer of the Most Reverend Bishop Hermann Glettler, from February 28, 2022:
To You God of Peace,
We come horrified, speechless and powerless.
For days we have been observing the brutal war,
Cruel fighting, countless refugees and the dead.
All attempts at mediation seem to have been unsuccessful.
In this desperate situation we ask You
For the conversion of all those who spread fear and terror.
We pray for strength and protection for all who are afflicted.
We implore Your Spirit, who can change the mind,
To prevent further destruction and greater misery.
On behalf of all those who have to endure hardship in the war zone,
Directly affected, threatened or involved in combat:
Stop the killing and finally let it come true -
The miracle of peace for Ukraine and all of Europe!
You, God of life, consolation and unity,
We trust in You because every prayer reaches Your Heart.
In the certainty of believing that You can change everything for the good,
We praise You now and forever.
Amen.