Religious Persecution in our Time

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, remarked on June 30, 2015, the feast of the Christians martyred under Nero in 64 A.D, that there are more persecuted Christians in the world today, than there were in the first centuries.

Each month 180 Christians are being martyred. This sad statistics bear witness to the fact that Christians are among the most persecuted religious groups worldwide. Over 200 million Christians are being denied their fundamental rights, in more than 60 countries worldwide. In forty one of those countries, Islamic extremists are barbarically beheading, crucifying and killing men, women, young people and children. Tragically, in those areas of the world where Christianity once began, the Christian community is being wiped off the map. Islamic jihadists do not limit their violence to Christians alone. They spare no religious group, even killing those of their own Muslim faith.

The Pope has urged us to pray for an increased awareness of the "drama of persecuted Christians in our day," for religious freedom as an "inalienable human right" and for the "end to this unacceptable crime." In response to our Holy Father's urgent request, and united with him in concern for all those suffering religious persecution, our Bishop, Arthur J. Serratelli, is designating this August as a diocesan-wide Month of Prayer for Those Suffering Religious Persecution.

After all daily masses in August we will pray the following prayer:

Good and gracious Father, whose own Beloved Son suffered violence and death for the salvation of the world, listen graciously to our cry for all who are being persecuted for their faith.
In your great mercy, comfort them with the Holy Spirit. Give them strength in the face of hostility and courage in the face of trial.
Open the eyes of those who raise their hands in violence to see others as their brothers and sisters, children of the one Father of all.
By your grace, turn their hearts from hatred to love.
Through the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Queen of Peace, may justice and peace prevail so that all may have the freedom to worship you, the one true God and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

We ask you to use this prayer and pray for Those Suffering Religious Persecution with your families at your homes.

Every Friday in Sacred Heart of Jesus parish at 3 PM the Divine Mercy Chaplet will be offered in the intention for Those Suffering Religious Persecution. Please join us!!! Our persecuted brothers and sisters need our prayer.