In light of these escalating tensions and violence, the Philos Project and SpiritualDirection.com have stepped in with a call to action—a special novena prayer titled “Novena for Peace in the Near East.”
A Time for Prayer
From July 16 to July 24, this novena will be a dedicated time for people to pray for the safety and protection of Christians and all innocent civilians in the region, focusing particularly on Israel and Lebanon.
This period is not just any random selection of dates; it’s deeply meaningful and intentional.
Aligning with Sacred Dates
The Philos Project, an organization committed to fostering positive Christian engagement in the Near East, has carefully chosen these dates to coincide with significant feast days.
They aim to create leaders, build communities, and inspire action rooted in the Hebraic tradition.
Connecting Holy Sites
Simone Rizkallah, the deputy director of education at the Philos Project, explains the thoughtful connection: “Mount Carmel in Israel is about 100 miles from Mount Lebanon.
There’s a perfect novena in there from the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16 to St. Charbel, a very important Maronite saint, on July 24.”
By linking these sacred sites and dates, the hope is to harness the power of collective prayer to bring about peace and protection in a region that so desperately needs it.
Religion News