Rest in peace, Sr. Mary Paule Tacke, CPS

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sr. Mary Paul Tacke, CPS, an American Missionary Sister of the Precious Blood who was murdered in South Africa yesterday.  What little is known at the time of this writing can be found here, on the CPS website. 

Countdown to Fortnight for Freedom

From the USCCB:  The Fortnight for Freedom: Freedom to Serve will take place from June 21 to July 4, a time when our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power -- St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, St. John the Baptist, Saints Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.  The theme of this year's "Fortnight" is the freedom to serve the poor and vulnerable in accord with human dignity and the Church's teaching.  Click here for more information.

Call to Prayer for Father's Day

From the USCCB:  "St. Joseph was a 'just man': Truly Mary's husband and a spiritual father to Christ. On Father's Day this year, let us contemplate the spiritual dimension of fatherhood.  The Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, enables men to generate life, not only physically, but also spiritually: by guiding, protecting and modeling lives of virtue for others."

Let's pray for all fathers and fathers-to-be.

Pray for Peace

Today, @Pontifex remind us:  "We run the risk of forgetting the suffering which does not affect us personally. May we respond to it, and may we pray for peace in Syria." 

SOA Watch Letter Writing Campaign

The SOA Watch is asking for letters to be written to President Obama's Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough, urging an Executive Order to close SOA/WHINSEC.  Click here for more information.

Palestinian and Israeli Peace Prayer in Vatican Gardens on Sunday

As you know, Presidents Shimon Peres and Mahmoud Abbas have accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to gather at the Vatican for a time of prayer.  Sunday, June 8 is the day for this to occur!  Click here for a related article and here for more information about the agenda for the day.

JRS Director Kidnapped in Afghanistan

We are asked to pray for the safety of Prem Kumar, SJ, the country director of Jesuit Refugee Services in Afghanistan.  It has been reported that he was kidnapped today.  Click here for more information.