Latvian Bishops' Conference calls for prayer on September 12 to protect Latvia from war

The Latvian Bishops' Conference has decided to declare September 12 a special Day of Prayer and Penance, during which the faithful will be asked to pray for Latvia to be spared from war. The announcement was distributed by the Catholic Church's information agency. The decree behind the initiative was signed on August 22 by the Archbishop-Metropolitan of Riga and President of the Bishops' Conference, Zbigņevs Stankevičs.

The decree states that the world is once again facing the threat of war, noting that Russia's ongoing war is bringing suffering, destruction and the death of innocent people. The bishops stress that Latvia, too, must remain aware of existing security threats, even as state institutions, the National Armed Forces and the National Guard continue working to strengthen and defend the country.

Prayer and fasting

The bishops emphasize that God remains believers' deepest source of strength and hope, making the call to entrust oneself and the country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary especially relevant today. On the Day of Prayer, September 12, priests across Latvia are asked to celebrate Holy Mass for this intention and, where pastorally feasible, to hold a procession with the Blessed Sacrament around their churches.

The faithful are invited to join in reciting the Rosary for peace in Latvia and, according to their personal circumstances and health, to observe a fast. Parishes with no services scheduled for September 12 are asked to unite in prayer and penance with the rest of the church in Latvia, celebrating the Mass for this intention on the following Sunday instead.

Preparations begin already on Friday, when believers nationwide are invited to start a nine-day prayer novena for Latvia, its people and peace, concluding on September 12. Each day of the novena has its own theme for reflection and prayer, encouraging conversion, reconciliation, overcoming hatred and division in society, and trust in God during hardship and trials.