Offered by PCAN (Pax Christi New England Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) with assistance from AUSCP’s Gospel Nonviolence Working Group.
Presider: This weekend we remember the 81st anniversary of the 1945 US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Moved by the Spirit of this time of KAIROS, we offer these universal intentions for the healing of the Body of Christ and the abolition of nuclear weapons:
- For the gift of discernment to discover pathways so that our earth and its people will never again experience the destruction of life caused by nuclear weapons, we pray to the Lord…
- For the courage to be disciples of Christ who models his nonviolent love by practicing charity and forgiveness and actively working for justice and peace throughout the world, we pray to the Lord…
- For the will to surrender ourselves to the Nonviolent Jesus, to find ways to connect with our fellow humans and to embrace the unfolding of God’s Kingdom, we pray to the Lord…
- For our hearts to be filled with compassion for those in harm’s way due to armed conflicts around the globe, and that we communicate to our elected officials our wishes for disarmament and reconciliation, we pray to the Lord…
- The Archdiocese of Nagasaki plays a prophetic role for Japan and the world-wide Catholic Church. May it continue to be realized through the witness of their martyrs, past and present, we pray to the Lord…
- Because there is no such thing as a just nuclear war, may we today hear the call of the Spirit and do our part for the total abolition of nuclear weapons, we pray …
- Like Elijah who heard the still, small voice of conscience and like Peter who heard Jesus call him to walk on water, may we each do our part to step out in faith to abolish nuclear weapons, we pray …
- That we may acknowledge our discomfort with the issue of nuclear abolition but, like Peter, may we step out in faith to answer the call of the Nonviolent Jesus, we pray to the Lord
- Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence, we pray to the Lord… [Pope Leo’s prayer intention for March 2026]
Presider: Loving Father of all humanity, Creator of all, give us the faithful courage to live out these prayers in union with your Holy Spirit and follow in the way of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.
NOTE: The PCAN team would appreciate feedback from everyone who may use this document on August 9 as to how well it worked for you and how future Prayers of the Faithful might be more helpful to you. Contact us at: paxcan2030@gmail.com