Universal Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Lebanon

Pope Francis invited the entire Church to take part in a Universal Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Lebanon to be held on Friday next, 4th September.

The event is to draw attention to the current situation in the Lebanon after the dramatic explosion in Beirut causing such vast destruction and death and the uncertain political situation.

Given the short notice for this event, I ask that parishes  include a Prayer of the Faithful on Friday Masses and perhaps also on Sunday.  I include possible texts:

Pope Francis has called on the entire Church to pray for the people of the Lebanon after the dramatic explosion in Beirut which caused such  vast destruction and death:

We remember in our prayers the people of the Lebanon especially the people of Beirut tried by the devastating effects of the recent explosion.  May their faith give them courage to start anew and rebuild their city in hope and solidarity. 

Lord hear us

We pray for all those who exercise political leadership at this moment for the suffering of the Lebanese people that they will foster reconstruction with sincerity and transparency, placing the plight of the most vulnerable above all other political considerations.

Lord hear us