



A litany prayer for Israel Gaza (Shared from Leadership
Conference of Women Religious)
(your response will be Lord, hear our prayer)
1. Lord, You said “Peace, be still,” and the storm was stilled.
We confess that at times, we feel overwhelmed by the storm. But today, we lift our eyes to you — the Maker of heaven and earth. And we ask for a miracle… let your peace fill Israel and Gaza.
We lift our prayer to you and say
All: Lord, hear our prayer
2. God, let violence cease in the region. Let there be no more bloodshed. We know your heart breaks for those killed and those left behind — for the orphaned child, the injured elderly, those abducted and families desperate for safety. Lord, speak into this crisis.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer
3. We pray for those who have lost loved ones. Let your peace and love wash over them. Please protect and provide for those who have been abducted and bring them home safely. Let them be reunited with their loved ones — let them feel the comfort of their embrace.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer
4. God, we pray that you open doors that allow food, essentials and medical supplies to reach those in need. May first responders be able to rescue the injured, comfort the grieving and help rebuild many lives.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer
5. God, we pray for your peace and reconciliation to overcome conflict. We ask that you give wisdom and discernment to our global leaders and those in positions of power who have the ability to impact the course of this war. Help us to be bold advocates and agents of peace in our own communities.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer
6. We pray for people scattered around the globe whose friends and family members have been caught in the crisis. We know you are with them. Help us to express your love to those affected in our communities, churches and workplaces.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer
7. Lord, we raise Israel and Gaza to you, and pray for those suffering. We ask that you provide peace in this crisis, and protection and comfort for all those who have been impacted.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer AMEN.
Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP)
Statement regarding Immigration
In the spirit of the Gospel and the inspiration of St. Benedict we, as members of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP), representing more than 1,100 Sisters, commit ourselves to Christ-like hospitality. Therefore, we call upon our leaders, especially governors, state legislators, members of the United States Congress, and our president to reconsider proposed immigration policies and to work towards solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all people. We urge them to create pathways to citizenship for immigrants, provide humane treatment for those in detention, and ensure that immigrant families are not torn apart. In addition, we commit ourselves to work with other organizations who are advocating and caring for migrant peoples.
As Benedictine sisters, we are inspired by the life and teachings of St. Benedict. In the sixth century time when he lived, travelers and pilgrims were often met with violence on the road and sought refuge in his monasteries. Benedict was inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to receive all who came seeking refuge. He modeled his life on that of Christ who received the poor, the lame, the outcast, and the stranger.
St. Benedict quoted Jesus who said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). For centuries, men and women have continued to be inspired by St. Benedict’s example of Christ-like hospitality and his teaching that all people who present themselves are to be received as Christ. May we and all people, in our time, do the same.
Rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and animated by over 130 years of official Catholic social teaching, the Duluth Benedictines of St. Scholastica Monastery unequivocally uphold the inherent dignity of every human person and invite all persons of good will to mutual cooperation for the common good.
Approved by CBP – February 2, 2025
Approved by Duluth Benedictines – February 12, 2025
In March of 2013, the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses approved social justice statements on gun violence and human trafficking. In February 2017, they added statements on racism and immigration.
These can be read by clicking on the links below each prayer.
A heartfelt thanks to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica for allowing us to use their artwork and prayers.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.