PEACE AND JUSTICE PRAYER CALENDAR DECEMBER 2017 December 1 World AIDS Day Rosa Parks sits on the bus in 1955 Islam Feast of Milad un-nabi Prophet s Birthday Pray for those suffering from AIDS and their care takers. Pray for the end of racism. December 2 Jean Donovan, Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Dorothy Kazel martyred in El Salvador in 1980 International Day for the abolition of Slavery (UN) Pray for those religious men and women who have been murdered as they care for the less fortunate of society or in areas of religious mistrust and hatred. Pray for the end of human trafficking. December 3 Feast of St. Francis Xavier International Day for Persons with Disabilities (WHO) Pray for the people of Japan and India. Pray for those with disabilities. December 4 World Soil Day (FAO) Pray in thanksgiving for the soil and all of creation. Pray that the elderly sustained by families and Christian communities may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. -Pope Francis Monthly Intention Page 1 of 7
December 5 Mary Robinson becomes 1 st women President in Ireland International Volunteers Day (UN) Pray for an increase of women in leadership roles in Church and society. Pray in gratitude for volunteers, especially in times of disasters of earthquakes, Hurricanes, floods and fires. December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas Pray for the children of the world that they may have the support and resources to achieve their full growth and development. December 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (1941) Pray for unity in the USA. Pray for all those who are or have experienced the violence of wars and armed conflicts. December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Pray for all women, especially those who are anticipating the birth of their child. May they have the support and resources for a successful birth. December 9 Feast of St. Juan Diego International Anti-Corruption Day (UN) Pray for all Hispanic Peoples. Pray for integrity of government officials. Page 2 of 7
December 10 Universal Human Rights Day (UN) Thomas Merton died in 1968 The 2017 Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) (UN) Pray for a nuclear free world. Pray for a world where everyone is respected and enjoys basic human rights. December 11 International Mountain Day (UN) UNICEF founded in 1946 El Mozote Massacre in El Salvador in 1981 Pray in gratitude for the mountains. Pray in gratitude for the work of UNICEF. Pray for the end of violence in Central America. December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Founding of the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland in 1831 Hanukkah Begins (Jewish) Pray in gratitude for the contributions of the Hispanic people to our world. Pray in gratitude for the Sisters of Mercy and all those who are inspired by the charism of Catherine McAuley. December 13 Feast of St. Lucy, martyr Pray for the end of blindness due to malnutrition. Pray for the end of blindness caused by hatred and prejudice. Page 3 of 7
December 14 Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting 2012 Feast of St. John of the Cross Pray for all those who are victims of gun violence and those who love them. Pray for better gun restriction laws. Pray for all those on death row, especially Juan Castillo scheduled for execution in Texas, the victims and their families. December 15 US Bill of Rights ratified in 1791 Pray that the USA government will ensure that all of the rights of its citizens and countries which it provides aid are protected. December 16 24 Las Posadas Begins, celebrated in Mexico, Philippines, Spain, Puerto Rico symbolizing the journey of Mary and Joseph to find lodging. Remember those without adequate housing, especially those who have lost their homes due to Harvey, Irma and Maria Hurricanes and the fires in California. December 16 Pray for immigrant families who are separated or living in detention camps. Page 4 of 7
December 17 O Wisdom of God! Pope Francis born in 1936 Pray that our political leaders are blessed with the wisdom to seek the common good in all their policy and budget decisions. Pray in gratitude for Francis and his service to all creation and peoples. December 18 O God of Strength! International Migrants Day (UN) Pray for all those who are strangers, in unknown, unfriendly lands, keep them safe and find them homes. December 19 O Flower of Jesse s Stem! Pray to protect the children of the world from all evils especially children in war zones and places of violence. December 20 O Key of David! International Human Solidarity Day (UN) Pray that all governments and peoples work to eliminate poverty by 2030. (UN Sustainability Development Goals) December 21 O Radiant Dawn! Homeless Memorial Day (USA) Sisters of Mercy arrive in USA 1843 Shine your light of peace on those who have died in the streets of the world without family or shelter. Page 5 of 7
December 22 O God of all the Earth! Bring peace to our World. December 23 O Emmanuel! Be with us! Be the hope for those who live in despair of violence, drugs and poverty. December 24 Christmas Eve Pray for peace in Israel and safety for all those celebrating this special feast day in the Holy Land. December 25 Blessed Christmas!! Pray that all peoples will open their hearts to Christ and the gospel of peace, love, solidarity and justice. December 26 Feast of St. Stephen, martyr St. John Paul II died in 2007 Kwanzaa begins, seven-day principles for a strong African American Family which includes Unity, Self-determination, collective work, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith Pray for all those who are being persecuted because of their religious beliefs. Pray for the realization that all persons are children of God. December 27 Feast of St. John the Apostle Pray in gratitude for peacemakers and justice seekers. Page 6 of 7
December 28 Feasts of Holy Innocents Endangered Species Act of 1973 Pray for children living in poverty and violence. Pray for the will to protect all the species of earth. December 29 Feast of St. Thomas Becket, martyr Wounded Knee Massacre (1890) Pray for the end of the death penalty and for the repose of the souls of Patrick Hanna, Rueben Ramirez Cardenas, Terry executed last month in the USA. December 30 December 31 Pray in gratitude for the blessings and sorrows of this year. Pray for the grace to live out the new year as advocates for peace and justice. TO BE A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS. Feasts of the Holy Family Pray for all families, especially those recovering from disasters and war. Thank you to Sister Jean Murin, RSM, Justice Coordinator, NYPAW, for sharing this monthly justice calendar. Page 7 of 7