CV NEWS FEED// Christian organizations are asking the faithful to pray an emergency novena for peace between Israel and Lebanon.
According to a Philos Project press release, the novena will be offered “for the protection of Christians and all innocents in the Near East, especially in Israel and Lebanon during this time of escalation between both nations.”
The July 16-24 novena will ask for the intercession of St. Charbel, patron of Lebanon, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel was the home of the prophet Elijah in Israel.
Emphasizing the biblical importance of Lebanon and Israel, the press release states:
Mount Carmel and Mount Lebanon are symbols of holiness throughout the Bible. Remembering this in our time of prayer, may they come to symbolize peace and harmony between Israel and Lebanon.
The announcement of the novena comes in the wake of mounting conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon’s Islamic political party and militant group.
On July 10, the Washington Post reported that Israel “is preparing for a full-scale war in Lebanon, warning the time for diplomacy is running out,” after nine months of conflict.
The article further specified that Hezbollah receives many of its weapons from Iran, which is “its principal patron.”
In partnership with the Avila Institute, The Philos Project “seeks to promote positive Christian engagement in the Near East by creating leaders, building community, and taking action in the spirit of the Hebraic Tradition.”
The organization’s leadership program focuses on training Christian professionals to advocate for pluralism in the Near East and abroad, specifically for peace and cooperation between Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
The Avila Institute is a Catholic educational association offering theological and spiritual formation to priests, religious, laity, and the faithful poor around the world.
