Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has invited all people of goodwill to respond to Pope Francis' request to gather and pray for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

The Most Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration and communal prayers for peace will be offered every hour.

Saturday, September 7, 2013
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

September 7, 2013, the Vigil of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been designated by the Holy Father as a universal day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world. The Pope asks all local churches to gather in prayer and in a spirit of penance, asking God for the gift of peace in Syria and all places of conflict.

All Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are encouraged to observe a personal fast day on Saturday, September 7, 2013. This fast may take the form of simple meals or no food in between meals or refraining from meals.

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Editor's Notes: For more information on the Universal Day of Fasting and Prayer please visit the United States Catholic Bishops Conference at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/syria/index.cfm.

To make a donation for relief efforts for Syrian refugees visit Catholic Relief Services at emergencies.crs.org.

No mult-box feed will be available for media. Cameras will be permitted inside the Cathedral.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747