Dear Diocese of Reno,

As you may have read in the news, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked the Church and all people of goodwill throughout the world to a day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on Friday, October 27, 2023.

This announcement was made during the Holy Father’s General Audience in Rome.

Certainly, the recent events in Israel and Palestine have been a cause of concern and grief for all of us. This day of Prayer and Fasting will be an opportunity to join with the universal Church is praying for the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace – A peace that is more than the mere absence of violence, a peace that is born from the pursuit of justice, love, and reconciliation.  This is true not only of the recent conflict in the Middle East but also of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as well as the forgotten conflicts in so many other areas of our world.  Here are some considerations for this Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace:

• Attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for private prayer
• End your day with Mass, Evening Prayer, or Rosary for Peace 
• Donate to Catholic Relief Services or the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher in charitable support of relief efforts for those who are currently suffering from these conflicts

We are not helpless in these times of suffering.  We can assist those in need through our spiritual and corporal works of Mercy.  

With every best wish and an assurance of prayer, I remain,

Yours in Christ,

+Daniel Mueggenborg
Bishop of Reno