FALL RIVER — In response to the deadly events taking place this week both in this country in Charlottesville, Virginia, and abroad in Barcelona, Spain, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., is asking priests in the Fall River Diocese to celebrate Masses this weekend (August 19-20) for the intention of peace.

Specifically, the bishop is encouraging that prayers from the Church’s special “Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice” be used, and that the General Intercessions or Prayer of the Faithful, when the congregation is asked to pray for the concerns of the Church and the world, include petitions for an end to racial violence and terrorism, for those who were killed, and for those in need of healing.

“The horrible and sinful acts of this week compel us as a community of faith to turn to Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace, to ask for an end to hate and violence and all that divides us,” Bishop da Cunha said.

“I pray that we, as a Church, may be an instrument of Christ’s peace.”

Along with the prayers of the Mass, Bishop da Cunha encourages all to remember in their own personal prayers the intentions of peace, justice, and harmony across the nation and around the world.

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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