Catholic Fire

With the current state of affairs with Christians abroad (ISIS brutally executing numerous Christians, including the most recent beheading of American journalist Steven Sotloff, and now is targeting Pope Francis), many Christians are left wondering, “What can we do to help our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their beliefs?” This event has a very real call to action which we all can join in on. The International Prayer and Fasting Coalition is urging people of all faiths to a worldwide prayer and fasting campaign for peace from September 20-28, 2014. The week formally begins on September 20 with an All Day Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Guest speakers for the kick-off event include Dr. Scott Hahn , popular speaker and teacher on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith; Johnnette Benkovic , founder and president of Women of Grace and Living His Life Abundan...

There has been a ton of information on websites about the day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria and world peace which Pope Francis has proclaimed for Saturday, September 7th, which is the vigil of the traditional birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the First Saturday of the Month. As for prayer, this is an excellent day to go to Mass and offer it up for peace in Syria and world peace. Praying before our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration would be ideal. A few days ago, I shared a prayer for peace online. HERE it is again. HERE is a prayer specifically for the people of Syria. HERE is a prayer for world peace from Pope John Paul II. There are many ways to observe this day of fasting, as there are many ways to fast. One can fast from: eating food, watching TV, communicating on social media sites, etc.CNS has an article to provide us with some fast facts on fasting . Busted Halo has more information on fasting .  This video on fasting from Rome Reports provides some addi...