Sunday 24th August
I invite all parishes in the Archdiocese to dedicate Sunday 24th August as a special day of prayer and reflection for Gaza and for a renewed commitment by the international community for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. This appeal, which I am making in conjunction with Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh (whose letter is available here), unites us in prayer before God, crying out for an end to all the terror and violence being perpetrated with tragic results for all.
As Pope Leo said, addressing the young people gathered for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, and encouraging them in their desire to transform our world for the good: ‘We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war. My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible: a world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons but with dialogue.’ (Pope Leo XIV, Angelus, 3rd August 2025).
May we all be a sign, by our prayer and action, that a different world is possible, and that a route to peace and reconciliation can and must be found through dialogue.
+Dermot Farrell,
Archbishop of Dublin
The Irish Bishops have condemned, in the strongest terms, the genocidal acts being carried out with the sanction of the Israeli government, actions that have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. Such disproportionate violence is described as “unconscionable… and immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively.”
The ongoing suffering of hostages held by Hamas and the cruel withholding of their remains from their families is also acknowledged and unequivocally condemned.
In the face of such darkness, this call to prayer is a call to hope.
“Christ is not absent from Gaza, He is there, crucified in the wounded, buried under rubble, and yet present in every act of mercy, every candle in the darkness, every hand extended to the suffering.” – Cardinal Pizzaballa.
How Can We Respond?
On Sunday, 24 August, you are invited to take part in 24 hours of prayer and reflection.
Whether as a parish or in the quiet of your own home, please consider:
- Attending Mass and offering it for peace in Gaza
- Spending time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
- Praying the Rosary for peace and justice
- Lighting a candle at home or in your parish church
- Making a small personal sacrifice or act of penance
- Reaching out to your political representatives to advocate for justice and humanitarian aid
- Supporting trusted aid organisations bringing relief to Gaza
This is a moment for our nation to radiate the light of Christ into the darkness, a light of peace, of justice and of hope for our world. Let us stand together, as one body in Christ, for the people of Gaza and for all who long for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.