Following is the text of message issued by Most Rev. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on August 5 calling upon the faithful to pray for the Lebanese people:
To the Brothers in the Episcopate,
To all priests, the men and women religious, the consecrated men and women,
and the lay faithful of the Diocese
Our thoughts and prayers today go to the Lebanese brothers and sisters, struck by the terrible disaster that blasted the city of Beirut on Tuesday evening.
In every parish and every church of our Diocese – including the chapels of religious institutes and those not open to the public – even if they are frequented by a few faithful due to the restrictions for the Covid-19 pandemic, on next Sunday, August 9, and the following Sunday, August 16, we will pray in a particular way for the victims, their families and for the many wounded, invoking the mercy of God on all.
The offerings that will be collected during the Eucharistic Celebrations on both Sundays will be sent to the Latin Apostolic Vicar of Beirut, His Excellency Monsignor Cesar Esseyan, and will be given to the Lebanese population.
May the Lord welcome all the victims into His embrace and console and support those who are in pain.
August 5, 2020
+Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Apostolic Administrator
Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
