Archbishop Broglio has issued the following message to the faithful on the escalation of tensions in the Middle East:
“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Disturbing news continues to arrive from the Middle East. Having just returned from there, I know that those deployed recognize the danger and continue to fulfill the demands of their mission for the protection of the innocent and the pursuit of those who cause harm.
“Throughout the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and, especially, here at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center we continue to pray for a just peace. In a special way those whose loved ones are currently deployed hold a special place in these prayers.
“Together let us invoke the Prince of Peace whose birth in Bethlehem we have just commemorated and beg protection and a safe return for all of those in harm’s way.
“We can welcome Pope Francis’ invitation at the Angelus yesterday: ‘in many parts of the world there is news of a terrible sense of tension. War only brings death and destruction. I call upon all sides to keep burning the flame of dialogue and self-control and to renounce the shadow of enmity.’ (Pope Francis, Post-Angelus, 5.I.20.)
Join me in praying that 2020 might be a year for peace.”
