Bishop Calls Faithful to Pray for Early End to War

By Alfonso Aguilar
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 3/27/03)

ARLINGTON — The same day the war began in Iraq, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde called parishioners to attend a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington to pray for an early end to this time of war and uncertainty.

The bishop also asked for prayers and sacrifices for the next three days (March 18-20) and celebrated a second "Mass in Time of War" at St. William of York Church in Stafford last Friday. He celebrated Mass March 28 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria and will celebrate Mass on Tuesday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1020 Springvale Road, Great Falls, and Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m., St. Mary of Sorrows Church, 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax Station.

Although notice was short, the Thursday Mass drew several hundred people who had awakened that morning with sadness, fear and uncertainty as dozens of missiles continued to bombard Iraq for the second day.

"I am deeply saddened that intense diplomatic efforts have failed to prevent the outbreak of war in Iraq," Bishop Loverde said during his homily.

"Peace at any cost is an ineffective strategy in a fallen world inhabited by evil dictators who oppress our brothers and sisters, but war, as our Holy Father repeatedly tells us, is always a defeat for humanity," said the bishop.

After five days of war, at least 25 Americans have been confirmed dead and as many as 12 are missing. It is also known that more than 2,000 Iraqi soldiers surrendered and 70 have been killed.

Although many protests against the war have involved tens of thousands, in New York, Barcelona and, among other places, Mexico City, Bishop Loverde noted that "History has shown that there are times when those entrusted with the common good must resort to the use of force to promote true peace in the world."

Bishop Joseph J. Madera, of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, agreed that "war was a necessary step and a justified decision. The diplomatic efforts have become unsustainable and dangerous."

Bishop Loverde emphasized that from now on the important issue is to pray so that this time of war will soon end and efforts will be directed toward producing a realistic process for securing a lasting peace in Iraq and the Middle East.

Finally, the bishop encouraged parishioners to attend daily Mass during this time of war and pray for innocent civilians and military personnel and their leaders engaged in this war.

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