His Eminence Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and Archbishop of Goa and Daman has invited the entire Latin Church in India to unite in prayer and supplication for peace in the midst of growing unrest and violence in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the recent escalation of hostilities involving Iran and neighbouring countries.
In an appeal to all the Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, Catechists and Lay Faithful of the Latin Catholic Church in India, he urged them “to entrust this critical moment to the mercy of God, who alone is our true and lasting peace”. he further requested, ”to observe Sunday, 8 March 2026, as a Day of Prayer for Peace”. Furthermore he invited “all the people of God to offer a Holy Rosary exclusively for peace each day from 8th March to 14th March“. He also encouraged everyone “to observe a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, 13th March, offering their sacrifice for world peace and for the safety of all those affected by violence and conflict”. His Eminence specially remembers all Indians working in the middle east and commends them “in a special way to the Lord’s protection, praying for their safety, security and well-being”.
To conclude, the Archbishop wishes that “through collective prayer, penance and solidarity… hearts may be converted, hostilities may cease and peace may prevail”.