The Bishop with great interest received the news about the initiative, which aims to gather in prayer for peace for people of good will from different parts of the world, cultures and religions. Also the use of modern communications for this purpose deserves great recognition. That is why Bishop John enjoys very much that our Lord’s words: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9) will also find in our times understanding and followers. The collaboration in this area with all the others, to do in love what the truth requires, and to join with all true peacemakers in pleading for peace and bringing it about (Gaudium et Spes, 78) lets look with greater hope for a peaceful future of mankind.

The teaching of the Second Vatican Council, in which we find Christian foundations to work for the defence and preservation of peace, puts this task almost at the heart of the lay faithful. In already mentioned Pastoral Constitution about the Church we read that “Consequently, as it points out the authentic and noble meaning of peace and condemns the frightfulness of war, the Council wishes passionately to summon believers to cooperate, under the help of God the author of peace, with all men in securing among themselves a peace based on justice and love and in setting up the instruments of peace.” So it seems like the most right thing to remain the initiative on the side of the laity.

With kind regards and greetings in Christ

Fr. Marcin Krolik, Chancellor

 

Diocesan Curia in Gliwice, Poland, 44-100 Gliwice, ul. Luzycka 1

Gliwice, 28.04.2016, No. 680/16/N