Praying for Peace

As we pray for the peace and harmony of our own nation, let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Haiti is grappling with multiple crises of an economic, political, security and humanitarian nature. Heavily armed violent gangs have taken over large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and kidnap local people for ransom on a regular basis. The UN Secretary General has warned that if the current circumstances continue, “the already dire humanitarian situation faced by Haiti’s most vulnerable people, will deteriorate even further.”

O God, author and giver of peace,
listen to the cry for Haiti
that rises from the depths of our hearts.
Give peace in our time, O gracious God,
a peace which the world cannot give.
To those who have taken up arms
grant the grace of conversion.
To the innocent who live
in the shadow of violence,
be a shelter and strength,
their haven and hope.
To those who have already lost their lives
as victims of human cruelty
open wide your arms
in the embrace of eternal love.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, intercede for your people.