On March 2, Ash Wednesday, Caritas Australia will be holding “Pray for Ukraine”, a special prayer in solidarity with Ukraine open to all via Zoom at 4pm AEST. Caritas Australia’s Director of Mission, Michael McGirr, will be leading the vigil.
“Every Ash Wednesday we take time to reflect, pray and fast. This year Pope Francis has called on us all to make this Ash Wednesday a special day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace in Ukraine,” said Mr McGirr.
“We will stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian sisters and brothers in their time of great need. We pray earnestly for peace and justice. Together, we will join together and call on God ‘...to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ (Lk 1:79). I fervently hope that our prayers, joined with countless others around the world, may help to end this meaningless suffering and restore peace.”
“Ukraine needs our help more than ever, as they face what may soon become mass displacement at a scale not seen since WWII. Already over 368,000 people have fled Ukraine and crossed into neighbouring countries, and millions more are expected to flee in the coming days and weeks.”
“This prayer is one way for us to show our compassion and solidarity with those facing conflict in Ukraine right now, and I look forward to seeing Australians come together in prayer and support for our friends in Ukraine. We ask God to bring light to a dark situation.”
Caritas Australia would like to invite anyone to join us in prayer this Wednesday at 4pm AEST.
Please join us on Zoom. Meeting details and link below.
Ash Wednesday Prayer for Ukraine
Meeting ID: 883 2914 0480
Passcode: 248123
Caritas Australia is working with long-term partner Caritas Ukraine to respond to the crisis. Caritas Ukraine has been working in response to the conflict in Ukraine since 2014 and are currently on the ground providing vital emergency support, including food, hygiene kits, clean water and emergency shelter to displaced families. Donations can be made at: www.caritas.org.au/ukraine/
Media contact: Jessica Stone 0490 684 867 / jessica.stone@caritas.org.au
