Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako

At the request of the chairman of the Committee of International Justice and Peace, Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking the people in all U.S. dioceses to pray for peace in Iraq on Sunday, August 17.In his letter requesting the special prayer, Bishop Pates recounted the struggles of Christians and others in Iraq who have faced the destruction, burning and looting of churches, homes and businesses. Under pressure by the Islamic State (ISIS) to join their extremist brand of Islam or die, these Christians have been forced to flee for their lives.

Accordingly, Bishop Pates urged Catholics to let their elected representatives know of their concern that humanitarian assistance reach Christian and other religious minorities who are suffering in Iraq, Syria and other countries.

Bishop Pates also noted Pope Francis’ calls for peace in Iraq and his observation that “violence generates more violence; dialogue is the only path to peace.”

The Bishop provided the text of a prayer written by the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako.

The full text of Patriarch Sako’s prayer for peace follows:

Lord,
The plight of our country
is deep and the suffering of Christians
is severe and frightening.
Therefore, we ask you Lord
to spare our lives, and to grant us patience,
and courage to continue our witness of Christian values
with trust and hope.

Lord, peace is the foundation of life;
Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us
to live with each other without fear and anxiety,
and with dignity and joy.

Glory be to you forever. Amen

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