GEORGE TOWN: As Roman Catholics around the world observe Ash Wednesday today, they are dedicating their usual day of fasting and abstinence to pray for peace and justice in Ukraine and the rest of the world.
Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei president, Right Reverend Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis has appealed for not only an urgent global recovery plan, but one involving peace and reconciliation for the people of Ukraine.
In a letter released today, he called on the faithful in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei to join Christian churches and leaders across Asia, to appeal for peace and justice.
"The Catholic Church in this region is deeply concerned over the war in Ukraine and its impact on global peace and justice, affecting the lives of people everywhere.
"The history and causes of war may be complex, but wars in the long term do not benefit anyone, including us.
"On the contrary, it only brings destruction and leaves a trail of immense suffering and displacements," he said.
Sebastian, who is also the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, added that mutual respect, acceptance of differences among all sides, and integrity of nations, are crucial to lasting peace and justice for mutual co-existence.
"We call upon Russia, Ukraine and all interested parties to put a stop to the madness of violence and war and come to the table of peace and justice.
"Mutual respect, acceptance of differences among all sides, and integrity of nations, are crucial to lasting peace and justice for mutual co-existence."
The bishop said that Roman Catholics in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei were joining the call of Pope Francis to all Catholics and "people of Faith and Goodwill", to dedicate the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday and beyond, as days of fasting and prayer, for peace and justice in Ukraine and in the world.
Ash Wednesday begins a 40-day period marking the Catholic Church's Lenten season, which is dedicated to penance, prayer and fasting.
