Lenten campaign 2026
This content is free of charge, as are all our articles.
Support us with a donation and enable us to continue to reach millions of readers.
Priests and bishops around the United States should offer a "Holy Hour for Peace" in the near future as a way to promote the healing of society, Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said on Wednesday, January 28.
"Many people today feel powerless in the face of violence, injustice, and social unrest. To those who feel this way, I wish to say clearly: Your faithfulness matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter," said Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Catholics and others of good will serve one another and work for peace and justice, something Archbishop Coakley said he was "deeply grateful" for.
"Whether feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, accompanying the lonely, visiting the imprisoned, or striving daily to love their neighbors, no work of mercy or act of justice is ever wasted in the eyes of God," he said.
While "proper laws must be respected," these works of mercy, along with peaceful assemblies and caring for others, "are signs of hope, and they build peace more surely than anger or despair ever could," he said.
Archbishop Coakley cited the recent killings of two people in Minneapolis by immigration enforcement officers, as well as the killing of a detained man in Texas, as "just a few of the tragic examples of the violence that represents failures in our society to respect the dignity of every human life."
"We mourn this loss of life and deplore the indifference and injustice it represents. The current climate of fear and polarization, which thrives when human dignity is disregarded, does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel," he said.
Catholics everywhere should participate
As a way to promote healing, Archbishop Coakley "invite(s) my brother bishops and priests across the United States to offer a Holy Hour for Peace in the days ahead."
A "Holy Hour for Peace" is published by the USCCB and includes readings from James, Psalm 122, and John. The Litany of Peace is recited.
"Let us pray for reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by fear or loss," he said. "I encourage Catholics everywhere to participate, whether in parishes, chapels, or before the Lord present in the quiet of their hearts for healing in our nation and communities."
Archbishop Coakley expressed his hopes that these Holy Hours are "a moment of renewal for our hearts and for our nation."
"Entrusting our fears and hopes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us ask the Lord to make us instruments of his peace and witnesses to the inherent dignity of every person," he said.
"Let us pray together, confident that God hears the cry of his people and remains close to all who seek him."
Litany of Peace
R. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
R. Lord, have mercy.
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. Nm 6:26
R. Lord, grant us peace.
May the Lord bless his people with peace. Ps 29:11
R.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Ps 34:15
R.
I will listen for the word of God; surely the Lord will proclaim peace. Ps 85:9
R.
Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss. Ps 85:11
R.
Too long did I live among those who hated peace. Ps 120:6
R.
When I spoke of peace, they were for war. Ps 120:7
R.
For family and friends I say, "May peace be yours." Ps 122:8
R.
There is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Eccl 3:8
R.
O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. Is 26:12
R.
Justice will bring about peace; right will produce calm and security. Is 32:17
R.
From Bethlehem will come one whose origins are from of old, he shall be peace. Cf. Mi 5:1,4
R.
Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth. Lk 2:14
R.
The Lord says, "Into whatever household you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.'" Lk 10:5
R.
The Lord says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." Jn 14:27
R.
The Lord says, "Not as the world gives it do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." Jn 14:27
R.
The Lord says, "I have told you these things that you might have peace in me." Jn 16:33
R.
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Jn 20:21
R.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal 5:22-23
R.
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were called in one body. Col 3:15
R.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
R. Grant us peace.
