PEACE AND JUSTICE PRAYER CALENDAR FOR MAY 2018 National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month May 1 Feast of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Worker founded in 1933 National Day of Prayer Pray for American Unity, Making every effort to keep the Unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace. Eph 4:2 Pray that all workers receive adequate compensation and benefits. May 2 May 3 Pray in gratitude for Asian Pacific Americans for their contributions to U.S. life and culture. Feast of Sts. Philip and James Bishops Peace Pastoral Letter, 1983 World Press Freedom Day (UN) Pray for peace. Pray for a worldwide press that seeks and tells the truth. Page 1 of 7
May 4 Kent State Massacre, 1970 Pray for the end of violence in our communities, especially in schools. Pray for those who have died in school violence. May 5 Cinco de Mayo Pray for the end of violence in Mexico and for the safety of migrants and immigrants. May 6 Maria Montessori born in 1870 Pray that all children receive the care and education they need to achieve their potential growth and development. May 7 May 8 9 May 8 Pray for the Syrian people, especially those affected by the chemical attack. Pray for the end of military intervention and the beginning of political stability. Time of remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during World War II (UN) World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day (UN) Feast of Our Lady of Lujan Pray in gratitude for those who volunteer to help people in times of disasters. Pray for the people of Argentina on their patron feast. Page 2 of 7
May 8 14 May 9 UN Global Safety Week Pray for the safety of all those traveling the world s roads. Sophie Scholl born in 1921 (student peace activist executed in 1943) Pray for peacemakers, especially the young people working against gun violence. May 10 Feast of the Ascension Feast of St. Damian World Migratory Bird Day (UN) Pray for those with conditions such as leprosy that may cause them to be discriminated against, and pray for those who care for and love them. Pray in gratitude for the beauty of birds. May 11 Israel admitted to UN in 1949 Pray for a meaningful dialogue on the Korean Peninsula, rather than military intervention. Pray for peace in Israel. May 12 Brother Roger Schultz born in 1915, founded the Taize Community Florence Nightingale born in 1820 Pray in gratitude for those who work to bring Christians together and for an increase in tolerance among people of differing religious beliefs. Pray for all nurses. Page 3 of 7
May 13 June 21 Poor People s Campaign (PPC): A national call for moral revival, 40 days of nonviolent activism Pray for the success of the Poor People s Campaign. May 13 19 May 13 Pray for women, children and the disabled affected by Poverty (PPC Week Theme) Mother s Day Feasts of Our Lady of Fatima and Blessed Julian of Norwich Pray for all mothers, especially those separated from their children by war, immigration and violence. May 14 Feast of St. Mathias Pray for the repose of the soul of Winnie Mandela and in gratitude for her efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. May 15 Feasts of St. Isidore and his wife, St. Maria de la Cabeza International Day of Families (UN) Pray for all families, especially farming families. May 16 June 14 Ramadan begins Join our Muslim sisters and brothers in prayer, fasting and acts of charity. Pray for the end of Islamophobia. Page 4 of 7
May 16 International Day of Living Together in Peace (UN) Pray for the end of the death penalty and for Juan Castillo, scheduled for execution in Texas, the victim and their families. Pray for world peace. May 17 May 18 May 19 May 20 26 May 20 Pray for peace in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Holy Land, Middle East, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Honduras. Pray that Congress will enact compassionate, comprehensive immigration legislation. Pray for immigrants, migrants and refugees. Pray that the lay-faithful may fulfill their specific mission by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today. Pope Francis Monthly Intention Pray for the Understanding of How Systemic Racism Intersects with Systemic Poverty and Efforts to Eliminate Racism. (PPC Theme) Feast of Pentecost Jewish Feast of Shavuot Pray that all obstacles to dialogue for peace are removed worldwide. Pray for a good harvest. Page 5 of 7
May 21 Christian de Chergé, OSCO, and companions martyred in 1996 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (UN) Pray for tolerance between Christians and Muslims. Pray for an increase of dialogue between governments and peoples. May 22 Feast of St. Rita of Cascia International Day for Biological Diversity (UN) Pray for more women in leadership roles in church and society. May 23 International Day to end Obstetrical Fistulas (UN) Pray that all expectant mothers receive adequate health care. May 24 Day of Prayer for the Catholic Church in China (VA) Pray that Catholics may have the freedom to worship in China. May 25 Feast of St. Mary Magdalena D Pazzi Africa Day (UN) Pray for the people of Africa. May 26 Pray for the repose of the souls of Rosendo Rodriguez, Carlton Michael Gary and Michael Eggers executed in the U.S. in March. Page 6 of 7
May 27 June 2 May 27 Pray that the People of the U.S. Stand Against the War Economy (PPC theme) Feast of the Most Holy Trinity Rachel Carson born in 1907 Pray in awe of the gift of creation. May 28 Memorial Day Pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died serving their country and their loved ones. May 29 Vesak Day (Buddhism) (UN) Buddha s birthday International Day of UN Peacekeepers Pray for tolerance among people of all religions. Pray for the safety of the UN peacekeepers. May 30 Feast of St. Joan of Arc Pray for women in leadership roles in the church and religious communities. May 31 Feast of the Visitation Pray for all those recovering from natural and human-made disasters. Thank you to Sister Jean Murin, RSM, justice coordinator, NYYPAW, for sharing this monthly justice calendar. To access past issues of this calendar, go to http://bit.ly/justicecalendarspast Page 7 of 7