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Catholic Archdiocese in CAR Issues Directives for Prayer Vigil, Day of Fasting for Peace

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In response to Pope Francis’ appeal for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world, the Catholic Archdiocese of Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR) has issued directives to guide the faithful during the Friday, October 27 initiative.

On October 18, Pope Francis at the end of his general audience announced another day of prayer and fasting for an end to the Israel-Hamas war. 

“I have decided to call for a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, Oct. 27,” the pope said.

It will be “a day of penance to which I invite sisters and brothers of the various Christian denominations, those belonging to other religions, and all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world, to join in as they see fit,” the Holy Father continued.

He said the vigil would take place at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful are to join the pope to participate in “an hour of prayer in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time, peace in this world."

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"I ask all the particular Churches to participate by arranging similar activities involving the people of God,” the Holy Father said.

In a statement issued Wednesday, October 25, the Vicar General of Bangui Archdiocese has invited all parishes to leave their Churches open for the spiritual exercise.

“To help the faithful of the Archdiocese of Bangui to live this moment well, we ask Parish Priests and Priests to expose the Blessed Sacrament on Fridays after the 6:00 a.m. Mass until 5:00 p.m,” Mons. Mathieu Fabrice Evrard Bondobo says.

He adds, “Churches must be open and Priests should be present to confess the faithful who so desire.”

The Vicar General of Bangui Archdiocese further invites parishes “to pray the rosary before the Blessed Sacrament; and to conclude the prayer with the Eucharistic blessing at 5:00 p.m.”

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“Together, through fasting and penance this Friday, let us lift up our prayers to God through Jesus Christ to implore peace in our world,” Mons. Bondobo implores.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.