Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Australian Province
Statement on the Escalating Conflict in the Middle East

As the world watches the escalating conflict in the Middle East, we unite in prayer for peace. We hold in our prayer all who are suffering — families displaced from their homes, those grieving the loss of loved ones, the injured, the fearful, and all whose lives have been shattered by violence.

As People of the Heart, we are deeply committed to the Gospel call to be instruments of peace. We reaffirm the sacred dignity of every person and the urgent need for dialogue over division, and love over hatred.

We echo the call of Pope Leo XIV, who reminds us: “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death.” In these words, we are reminded that true and lasting peace is born not of power or force, but of courage, humility, dialogue and above all, love.

We pray for political and community leaders, that they may act with wisdom and restraint, placing the protection of innocent lives above all else. We pray for humanitarian workers bringing relief and hope amid devastation. We pray for all faith communities in the region, that they may be strengthened in their shared longing for peace.

We trust that the God of peace and mercy will bring healing to wounded hearts and guide our world toward love, reconciliation, and enduring peace.

We ask that Our Lady of the Sacred Heart - Rainbow of Peace between heaven and earth, to pray for us all.

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