In Solidarity with Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, Cameroon Call for Prayer, Fasting for Victims of Violence

In his appeal, the Holy Father recalled that Our Lady, in addition to being queen, is “also invoked as Queen of Peace.”

“While our earth continues to be wounded by wars in the Holy Land, in Ukraine, and in many other regions of the world, I invite all the faithful to devote the day of Aug. 22 to fasting and prayer, imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice and to dry the tears of those who suffer as a result of the ongoing armed conflicts,” Pope Leo XIV said, adding, “Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that people may find the path to peace.”

In realizing the appeal of the Holy Father and in line with the message from CBCN, Episcopal Sees in Nigeria have acted.

In the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, the Assistant Liturgist, on behalf of Bishop Isaac Bundepuun Dugu, called for the recitation of the Holy Rosary in all parishes, churches and even homes in honour of victims of war and violence.

“With total submission and trust in the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary invites the Clergy, Religious and the Lay Faithful to honour this day of prayer and fasting,” Fr. Solomon T. Mbatimin said in a Thursday, August 21 statement.

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Fr. Mbatimin added, “In our prayer, let us remember the victims of war and violence in our Diocese, the land of Sankera and the world at large.”

Meanwhile, in Cameroon’s Catholic Diocese of Mamfe, the Chancellor, on behalf of Bishop Aloysius Abangalo Fondong, has called for Eucharistic celebrations across parishes in remembrance of the victims of war and violence.

“We are entreated to dedicate tomorrow for fasting and prayer with the intention to pray for the victims of war and violence, imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer in our country and throughout the world because of ongoing armed conflicts in the world,” Fr. Blaise Njikang Ewang said in a Thursday, August 21 statement.

Fr. Ewang added, “Let us partake in the Eucharistic celebration in our respective parishes and institutions as well as be committed in fasting and prayer for the aforesaid intention.”

“May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace in our World and true peace may be attained,” the Chancellor of Mamfe Diocese implored.