Mangaluru: Diocese of Mangalore has called upon the faithful to observe special days of prayer and fasting for peace in the world amid escalating violence and unrest in the Middle East.
In a circular issued from the Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, urged all Latin Catholic faithful to unite in prayer and spiritual solidarity for global peace and the safety of innocent lives affected by ongoing conflicts.
Special day of prayer on March 8
Responding to a circular issued by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, the Diocese has announced that Sunday, March 8, 2026, will be observed as a Day of Prayer for Peace, particularly remembering those suffering due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Bishop noted that the escalating violence has resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure, while many people, including Indians working in the region, continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
Rosary prayers from March 8 to 14
The faithful have also been requested to pray the Holy Rosary daily from March 8 to March 14 specifically for peace and reconciliation.
The initiative seeks to encourage families and parish communities to unite in prayer for dialogue, understanding and an end to hostilities.
Day of fasting and prayer on March 13
In addition, Friday, March 13, 2026, has been designated as a Day of Fasting and Prayer for the safety and well-being of all those affected by violence and conflict across the world.
The Bishop encouraged the faithful to offer their prayers and fasting for reconciliation, peace and justice.
Call for solidarity and hope
In the circular, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha appealed to the faithful to seek the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, praying for dialogue, reconciliation and a just resolution to the ongoing crises.
He expressed hope that collective prayer, penance and solidarity would become a sincere appeal before God for peace to prevail and hostilities to cease.
The Bishop has also requested parish priests across the diocese to read the circular during parish services and utilise digital platforms to encourage participation in the prayer and fasting initiatives.