Fast for Iraq

From Zenit:

Benedict XVI encouraged believers worldwide to fast and pray Monday and Tuesday for peace in Iraq and the world.

After reciting the midday Angelus today from the window of his study, the Pope echoed the initiative announced in a message signed by Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly of Babylon and Iraqi bishops.

"We are estranged from God with our deeds," wrote the patriarch in his message, "we do not fulfill his will, and we have abandoned piety, virtue and forgiveness and, because of this, the blood of so many brothers has been shed and so many children have been left orphans.

"We must return, repentant, to the house of the Father to do the will of our sovereign God; to attain this sublime objective, we invite all Iraqis, in and outside of Iraq, and all believers and men of good will, to prayer and fasting on next Monday the 3rd and Tuesday the 4th, so that the Lord will restore peace, tranquility and security to Iraq, country of beloved Abraham."

Benedict XVI invited "all to join this initiative of our brothers of that tormented country, commending this intention to the intercession of Mary Most Holy, Queen of Peace."