Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 5: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), led by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, has appealed to the faithful across the country to observe a week of prayer and fasting for peace in West Asia amid escalating tensions in the region.

In a message circulated to all Latin Catholic churches in India, Cardinal Ferrao urged believers to pray the Holy Rosary each day from March 8 to March 14 with the specific intention of restoring peace.

“The suffering caused by war and instability deeply wounds the human family,” he said in the communication. He also noted that many Indians live and work across West Asia and that their safety remains a matter of concern. “Many of them support their families from afar and contribute generously both to the life of the Church and to our nation,” he added.

The Archbishop also called on churches to observe Sunday, March 8, as a special day of prayer for peace. He requested that masses across the country include prayers for an immediate end to hostilities, protection of innocent civilians, and wisdom and restraint among global leaders.

Cardinal Ferrao further encouraged the faithful to seek the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace for reconciliation, dialogue, and a just resolution to the ongoing crisis.

He also appealed for a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, March 13, asking people to offer their sacrifices for global peace and for the safety of those caught in conflict zones.

“May our collective prayer, penance, and solidarity become a humble yet fervent plea before Almighty God, that hearts may be converted, hostilities may cease, and peace may prevail,” he said.

The call for prayer comes at a time when tensions in West Asia have sharply escalated following a series of coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have been followed by retaliatory attacks and growing unrest across the Gulf region.