The Archbishop of Castries, The Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire is calling on all Catholics, Christians and well-wishers to join in a solidarity and peace march for the community of Vieux Fort on Sunday April 16th, 2023.
The community has been deemed an escalated crime area by Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre due to the recent spike in gang violence.
In a video posted on social platforms the archbishop proposes a prayerful March for peace for the community.
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ we the clergy religious and faithful of the catholic community, members of other Christian denominations and the general citizens of Saint Lucia are all very perturbed by the escalation of violence in our country and more particularly in Vieux Fort in recent times.
“This, no doubt is a cause of immeasurable pain to the entire country, but especially the immediate families, friends, and relatives of the victims of these crimes. Even harder to console would be the loved ones of those who were innocent victims.
In an attempt to petition help from God, the One for Whom all things are possible, a call is being made to all Saint Lucians who are able, to join in prayerful battle on this coming Sunday, April 16, 2023, designated by the Church as Divine Mercy Sunday.” he says.
“At 4 pm we shall assemble in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption for reflection and prayers. Following this will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament through Commercial Street, unto Clarke Street, then turn right at the traffic lights to New Dock Road towards Bruceville. We intend to stop at intervals along the way, to offer special prayers for God’s guidance, deliverance, and protection
Please come and be united in prayer: for the families directly affected by this present scourge; for the repose of the souls of those who have perished, especially the innocent; for the conversion of the perpetrators and their enablers and for the protection of all of us, who are also in danger. Until everyone is safe, no one is safe. Come and pray earnestly for God to intervene, so that peace will once again reign in our land. With faith and confidence, let us proceed as a mighty throng, storming the heavens for these spiritual favours. Amen!”
Persons attending are asked to wear something white to symbolise peace.
Photo: Google.com
