MERRILLVILLE – In response to the continued tensions and violence that erupted into warfare between Gaza and Israel on October 7, Most Rev. Robert J. McClory, bishop of Gary, urges everyone to pray for peace – not just in the Middle East, but in our local communities.
“We are shocked and saddened by the sudden escalation of violence, leading to the mounting casualties,” said Bishop McClory. “It is easy to despair, or to become complacent. But now more than ever, we must unite in praying for those impacted by this warfare.
“Let us pray for God’s protection and consolation. Let us pray for hearts to be changed. Let us pray for those in the Middle East, and all war-torn lands throughout the world.”
The outbreak of violence occurred almost 50 years to the day of the launch of the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, bringing mounting casualties, escalating threats and diminishing hope for peace among Jews, Muslims, and Christians out in the Holy Land.
Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued a statement asking for prayers for peace in the Holy Land. “I join with Pope Francis in his call for peace and his condemnation of this widespread outbreak of violence,” Bishop Malloy said in the response. “As he stated in his Sunday audience, ‘May the attacks and weaponry cease. Please! And let it be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.’
“As we pray urgently for peace, we recall especially all the families and individuals suffering from these events. We call on the faithful, and all people of good will to not grow weary and to continue to pray for peace in the land Our Lord, the Prince of Peace, called home.”