As the conflict intensifies in the Middle East, WSCC joins the Vatican, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, and the Catholic community around the world in praying for peace for all people in the Middle East.

The conflict has killed at least 300 people in Lebanon and left more than 1,000 wounded. In Israel, 29 people have been killed. Some 500,000 displaced Lebanese have taken shelter in schools, mosques, churches, and parks. Those unable or too frightened to leave their homes - and cannot be reached due to continued Israeli military activity - are experiencing growing shortages of food, water, medicines, and electricity.

Catholic Church Calls for Day for Prayer and Penance for Peace:

Faced with a worsening situation in the Middle East and great concern for all the people involved in the crisis, the Vatican has proclaimed this Sunday, July 23rd, as a special day of prayer and penance, "inviting pastors and the faithful of all Churches, and all believers of the world, to implore from God the precious gift of peace." The USCCB has written all U.S. Bishops encouraging them to invite their parishes to participate in this day of prayer.

What You Can Do:

In support of the Vatican's call for a Day of Prayer & Peace for the Middle East on July 23rd please pray for the people affected by this escalating crisis in Lebanon. Invite others in your Church and local community to do the same. Please visit USCCB's web site to read USCCB statements on this crisis.

(Material for this alert was adapted from Catholic Relief Services’ information.)