Today is Memorial Day in America, a day in which we honor and pray for the 1.2 million soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to their country since 1776. It is also a day to pray for peace and an end to the scourge of war, as we are presently in the longest war in American history. In this Year of Mercy, we are reminded the importance of the act of mercy in praying for the dead and the repose of their souls.
Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Prayer for Memorial Day
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons
and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who have died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely
into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
(from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers – USCCB)
Archdiocese of the Military — the largest Archdiocese in America — video by Archbishop Timothy Broglio
LINKS
Peace & War & Memorial Day (John Clem, O.F.S. – Call To Holiness) – post from two years ago — but still relevant
4 American Catholic Priests Who Truly Memorialize Honor and Heroism (EpicPew)
A Memorial Day reflection from Fr. Daniel Berrigan, America’s late peace-priest (Pax Christi)