Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. invites all 219 parishes and communities in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia to participate in the Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities on Friday, September 9th, the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver. This initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) responds to the pressing need for civil dialogue with regard to race relations, restorative justice, mental health, economic opportunity and gun violence. 

All are encouraged to pray on this day for the intention of peace and racial justice, with others at Mass and also in personal and devotional prayers, and to observe a voluntary fast and abstinence for peace.

The homily at Mass, with references to the biblical texts and Saint Peter Claver, may be directed to the need to pray for peace and an intention included in the Universal Prayer for peace.

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Editor's Note: For more information on this initiative, visit www.usccb.org.