THIRD INTERNATIONAL DAY OF INTERCESSION FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND ON 29TH AND 30TH JANUARY 2011

“Prayer for peace is of major importance”
(Relatio post disceptationem of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops)

On the 29th and 30th January 2011, during the month dedicated by the Church to Peace, we shall celebrate the Third International Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land, an initiative of prayer born from the inspiration of some Youth Catholic Associations. In this third edition, two thousands cities all over the world shall be simultaneously participating, so that this prayer – as the organizers hope – “will reach the heart of the Lord who shall give peace to His land again”. The Third International Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land is patronized by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and is a way to commit for and to concretely live a day of profound prayer and intercession. For this third edition, in the follow-up of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops held on the theme “Communion and Witness”, with the help of the Lord, the 24 uninterrupted hours of prayer of the International Intercessory Prayer Day for Peace will very significantly start in coincidence with the Fifth Extraordinary Prayer of all Churches for Reconciliation, Unity and Peace, beginning in and proceeding from Jerusalem, and with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Jerusalem, on Saturday 29th January 2011, at 5-6 p.m. (Holy Land time). The Extraordinary Prayer of all Churches will be broadcast worldwide.

Last year, the International Day of Intercession for Peace was celebrated in 1103 cities of the world. Joining the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land in a communion of prayer, His Holiness Benedict XVI so described the Intercessory Prayer Day: “Today we are also celebrating the second Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land. In communion with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land, I join in spirit in the prayers of the many Christians throughout the world, as I warmly greet those who are gathered here for this occasion.” (Angelus 31st January 2010). On 30th January 2011, we shall raise again our prayer from the heart of the world with Adorations and Eucharistic Celebrations. In His homily at the Solemn Inauguration of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Benedict XVI affirmed that: “Looking at that part of the world [Middle East] from God’s perspective means recognizing in it the “cradle” of a universal design of salvation in love, a mystery of communion which becomes true in freedom and thus asks man for a response”, the Holy Father affirmed also that “Christians will continue to contribute […] above all with the spirit of the Evangelical Beatitudes, which enliven the practice of forgiveness and reconciliation”. While greeting the pilgrims during the Angelus in St. Peter Square, the Holy Father further said: “In fact, in those countries, unfortunately marked by deep divisions and torn by age-old conflicts, the Church is called to be a sign and instrument of unity and reconciliation, modelled on the first community of Jerusalem”.

The Third International Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land is promoted by various Youth Associations: the National Papaboys Association, the Apostolate “Youth For Life” Association, the “Perpetual Adoration Chapels” Association in Italy and in the world, the groups of “Adunanza Eucaristica” and – from this third edition –the Association for the Promotion of the Extraordinary Prayer of all Churches for Reconciliation, Unity and Peace, beginning in and proceeding from Jerusalem. Last year, after the International Intercessory Prayer Day, a pilgrimage was organized in the Holy Land in June for the participants to the event.

To join the 2011 event, personally or as a community, group or association, please visit the Facebook Group “We want Peace in the Holy Land 2”, or send an e-mail to ufficiostampa@papaboys.it (communicating the place and time of the event you intend to organize). On January 25th 2011, you shall find an official list of the locations around the world where you can join a prayer service for Peace on internet and in the press. On the websites of the National Papaboys Association (www.papaboys.it), of the Apostolate “Youth For Life” Association (www.youthfl.org) and on the website of “Adunanza Eucaristica” (www.adorazione.org) you shall find information regarding the International Intercessory Prayer Day, with updates, interviews, photos and videos. On the website www.prayrup.info you shall find information concerning the live TV transmission of the fifth Extraordinary Prayer of all the Churches for Reconciliation, Unity and Peace, beginning in and proceeding from Jerusalem.

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National Association Papaboys
www.papaboys.it
Daniele Venturi, National President (IT)
+39 0697270529 (Rome)

Apostolate “Youth For Life”
www.youthfl.org
Francesco De Ruvo SDB, Coordinator YFL Italy
+39 3492623188

Adunanza Eucaristica
www.adorazione.org
Fabio Anglani – International Coordinator
+39 3381011249

Association for the Promotion od the Extraordinary Prayer of all the Churches for Reconciliation, Unity and Peace, starting from Jerusalem
www.prayrup.info
Véronique Nebel – Coordinator

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Ufficio Stampa
Associazione Nazionale Papaboys
Dr. Giovanni Profeta
ufficiostampa@papaboys.it