2026-03-27
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The world finds itself in a most perilous situation as various nations, including our own, are presently at war with one another. As citizens of both heaven and of our homeland, we must pray that justice be defended against unjust aggressors and that, thus, peace be restored among nations.
We must also insist that the Church's perennial teaching on just war be followed. Conscious that the "evaluation of the conditions for moral legitimacy [of a war] belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2309), let us pray for the leaders of nations, especially the leader of our nation. In a similar way, let us pray for those who serve our nation in the armed forces, contributing "to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2310).
May Christ the King reign in all hearts from His Most Sacred Heart, and may His Virgin Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, together with Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Louis of France, intercede powerfully for justice and its fruit--peace.
With all of this in mind, I offer the following prayer for your use, especially at this time:
Daily Prayer in Time of War
O Lord Jesus Christ, King of Heaven and Earth,
I, with Your Virgin Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe,
lift up my heart to Your Most Sacred Heart.
I ask You, through the intercession of Saint Louis, King of France,
to guide the leaders of nations
in every war against unjust aggressors,
so that life and freedom may be protected
and peace, which is the fruit of justice, may be restored.
In a special way, through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel,
I ask the help of Your grace for our armed forces
who give their lives in the service of their fellow citizens.
May all soldiers be Your faithful and selfless servants,
that Your reign may be established in all hearts,
in all families, and in all nations.
Long live Christ the King! Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!
Amen.
Invoking God's blessing upon you and your homes, I remain
Yours in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
and in the Purest Heart of Saint Joseph,
Raymond Leo Cardinal BURKE