Dear ,
What does the world need now more than anything else?
With marriages and families unraveling, terrorist attacks at home and abroad, and concerns about the socio-economic climate, I'm sure you would agree with me that right now the world needs the peace of Christ more than ever before.
This Advent and Christmas season, I feel prompted in a special way to pray for this peace. God became man, in the form of a Child, Jesus Christ, to bring His peace, the peace that surpasseth understanding. The angels prophesied it when they appeared to the shepherds in the field and proclaimed,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
-Luke 2:14
What better way to call down God's peace than a special Novena of Masses for the intention of peace in our families and in our world? It is for this special need that I have requested Reverend Father Raymond Atude, Archdiocese of Gulu and Sacred Heart Seminary, to offer a special Novena in honor of the Nativity of Jesus, from December 24th, Christmas Eve, through January 1st, the Feast of Mary the Mother of God.
There are so many needs that are heavy on our hearts today. I hope you will join our novena by
submitting the names of your family members, spouses, loved ones and friends along with any intentions you have for the world. Perhaps you feel called to pray for persecuted Christians. Maybe you know of a marriage that is going through a bitter divorce. You may be praying for a loved one who has lost their faith. Maybe someone you love is struggling with addiction. There are so many situations that can rob us of peace both individually and corporately. Please send them to us and Fr. Raymond will pray for them in a special way.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
-John 14:27
In His Service and with gratitude,
Johnnette S. Benkovic
