As endless wars scar the face of the earth, worldwide representative of the female religious issued a call for prayer and fasting, asking the Virgin Mary, whose Assumption has been celebrated to intercede for peace among mankind. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) joined the initiative.

International Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) joined the call issued by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) for a day of prayer and fasting for world peace on August 14, the eve of the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.

The UISG is an organization of heads of female religious congregations. The aim of the initiative was to draw the world’s attention to the many conflicts raging in the world, such as in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and many other places.

“We cannot remain silent spectators. Every day, we see faces marked by pain, lives destroyed, people deprived of dignity and peace, especially women and children,” said the sisters.

The date for the initiative was specifically chosen to invoke the intercession of Our Lady, on the eve of an important Marian feast day. “Let us entrust ourselves to her, so that she may respond with tenderness to the cries of the people and teach us how to be a humble and prophetic presence in places of suffering,” said the UISG.

 “Wherever there is conflict, women and children are marginalized, and it is often they who suffer most. Religious sisters are often on the frontlines of wars, helping the innocent in whatever way they can, without regard for their own safety. It is therefore very commendable that this group of women should be leading the way in denouncing warfare and calling for peace and reconciliation. ACN is happy to add its voice to the many which are responding to their brave call,” stated Regina Lynch, executive president of ACN International.

“Mary is the Queen of Peace. Let us pray that she may touch the hearts of decision-makers all over the world, that they may yearn for the peace of her Son, Jesus Christ. On this feast of her Assumption into Heaven, we recall that there is a woman, in body and spirit, at the side of Our Lord. No doubt she will be sympathetic to the pain and anguish that the women religious are witnessing and shall intercede for an end to the conflicts,” concluded Lynch.