International Women’s Day 2022

War accentuates the precariousness of vulnerable populations, including women. The Congrégation de Notre-Dame takes this opportunity on the International Women’s Rights Day to call for peace in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Women, who are often the first to suffer in these battles, are almost always excluded from the decisions that lead to militarization. We join our voices in solidarity with Ukrainian women with this prayer:

PRAYER FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE

On this Women’s Day, the women of the Bible teach us the power of prayer in difficult situations. Esther, Judith, and Mary of Nazareth are some examples, and we join them in prayer.

We pray to you, compassionate God, God of Life, who loves life and is full of mercy! You always remember and defend the little ones, you are the support of the weak, protector of the abandoned and saviour of the desperate. Listen to the cries and tears of so many women, elderly, girls and boys, victims of this unjust war in Ukraine, and in so many countries suffering from violence and war. We ask your intercession for the ending of this war; may the power of love and dialogue be stronger than weapons and violence.   

We ask for the strength of your Spirit on the leaders who have in their hands the decisions to change this threat for the good of Ukraine, Russia and humanity.

Make us artisans of peace and justice, make us constructors and not devastators of the human being and of this earth you have given us.

Amen