Day of Prayer for Ukraine

It is with heavy hearts that we continue to follow the news of war in Ukraine. We recognize that this conflict affects many Canadians, including members of our division staff and families within our school communities.

Pope Francis has recently announced that Ash Wednesday will be recognized as a Day of Fasting and Prayer for peace in Ukraine. "I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war,” Read more.

On Wednesday, March 2, Medicine Hat Catholic Schools and Central Office will take a moment to pray for peace in Ukraine and the world. Staff and students may also choose to wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag (blue and yellow) as a symbol of solidarity and hope as we come together to pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

“Prayer is the real revolution that changes the world because it changes hearts.”

Prayer for Ukraine

God of infinite mercy and goodness, with grateful hearts we pray to you today for Peace. You offer us your peace continually (Jn.14:27) and constantly remind us that peacemakers are blessed, “for they shall be called children of God” (Mt.5:9). May your voice resound in the hearts of all, as you call us to follow the path of reconciliation and peace, and to be merciful as you are merciful.

We pray to you for the people of Ukraine who are experiencing conflicts and deaths. Bless the leaders with wisdom, vision and perseverance needed to build together a world of justice and solidarity, and to break down walls of hostility and division.

To you we entrust all families and pray that they may never yield to discouragement and despair, but become heralds of new hope to one another in this challenging time.

May you continue to inspire all of us to oneness of heart and mind, to work generously for the common good, to respect the dignity of every person and the fundamental rights which have their origin in the image and likeness of God impressed upon every human being.

Grant eternal rest to the dead and quick recovery to the wounded, we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen!