27 October: A day of fasting, prayer, and penance

On October 27, 2023, Catholics and anyone else who wishes to promote peace are invited by Pope Francis to take part in a day of prayer, fasting, and penance.

The Pope underscored how urgent the Israeli-Hamas conflict is, as well as how the death toll in Gaza is rising. Instead of taking a stance on either side of the dispute, he urged the faithful to pray fervently and work towards peace.

The initiative is receiving support from Catholic dioceses and archdioceses across the globe. The Archdiocese of Manila has issued a circular to coordinate the day of prayer and fasting. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao praised Pope Francis in India for his attention to the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Palestine and called for an hour of prayer on October 27 at parishes, places of worship, and family get-togethers.

Numerous dioceses and archdioceses in the US have already united in support of the pope’s call to prayer. While Bishop Robert Brennan invites his flock to join him at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James for a Mass of Prayer and Peace, Bishop Patrick M. Neary will celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral with the goal of bringing about world peace. All parishes are directed by Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito to arrange public forum prayer and hold a Holy Hour at St. Ignatius Cathedral.