The Diocese of Antipolo has called on its faithful to hold a weekly Holy Hour for Peace in response to the ongoing violence and suffering in the Middle East and other conflict zones around the world.
In a pastoral letter, Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos urged all parishes, chapels, religious communities, and lay associations within the diocese to begin observing the initiative every Thursday following the 5:00 PM Mass, starting June 26.
“With each new headline, we are confronted not only by the wounds of war, but by the quiet cries of the innocent: families torn apart, children displaced, and communities silenced by fear,” Bishop Santos wrote. “We cannot remain unmoved.”
While acknowledging the geographic distance of the Philippines from the world’s war-torn regions, the prelate emphasized the moral and spiritual responsibility of Christians to act in solidarity through prayer.
“The pain of one is the concern of all. And prayer is our most potent act of peace-building,” he said.
Bishop Santos called on priests and liturgical ministers to “prepare your communities and lead them in this united diocesan act of intercession.”
He also encouraged lay people to actively participate, noting, “May your presence before the Lord be a sign of our Church’s unwavering trust in divine mercy.”
The bishop concluded his letter by entrusting the initiative to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the patroness of Antipolo.
“May she, who once journeyed in hope through uncertain lands, accompany those now displaced by war and bring our petitions safely to her Son,” he said.
Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, Bishop Santos reminded the faithful of their calling: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).
