Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) Fr. Rif'at Bader announced on Saturday, December 27, that all the Kingdom churches will hold prayers on Sunday, December 28, dedicated for the release of Jordanian captive Lieutenant Mu'az Kasasbeh.

In a CCSM statement released today, Saturday, Fr. Bader said that Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Maroun Lahham had asked all parish priests, Christian associations, and the faithful in all churches in Jordan to dedicate prayers during this Sunday Masses for the release of the Jordanian captive. The statement also calls for prayers that call for maintaining security and stability in the Kingdom all the time, for the security services, for the army, and for the relatives of captive Kasasbeh.

The statement added that Bishop Lahham also called for saying prayers usually said in Masses, in addition Christmas carols, and prayers for the release of captives. The prayer is: "O God my salvation, O Lord, I called out to you day and night, so that my call will reach You. Listen to my plea." There is also another prayer:"O God, Lord Jesus Christ was born in order to free mankind from the yoke of sin. Hasten, O compassionate God, to mankind who are shackled by chains of captivity, and give them their freedom which you desire for your children." Amen.

Fr. Bader said: "Since the release of news regarding the captivity of the Jordanian soldier, the Christmas celebrations were confined in churches to religious rituals. The bells rang and Christmas prayers were dedicated day and night for the return of captive Kasasbeh to his relatives, to his family, and to his homeland, at a time when national unity and solidarity is manifested in Jordan. At the period between Christmas and the new year, prayers will be said for the safety of the captive soldier and solidarity with him." Father Bader continued: "As the churches hold prayers for his freedom and his safe return, it is hoped that this young captive will receive humanitarian treatment according to the UN charters and the holy scriptures.