The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) is calling for a worldwide Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace on August 14, 2025. The UISG's appeal is in response to ongoing wars and humanitarian crises worldwide, including in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other regions. Religious communities and all people of goodwill are invited to participate in the day of prayer and fasting. The day will involve prayer, reflection on the Word of God, calls for justice and reconciliation, and concrete acts of solidarity.
4 months ago
The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) has issued an urgent appeal for a worldwide Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace on August 14, 2025 1. This date coincides with the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary 1.
The initiative is prompted by the persistent global conflicts and humanitarian crises affecting numerous regions, including Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Syria 1. The UISG, identifying as "women of peace" deeply involved in suffering communities, emphasizes the critical need to unite in prayer and action 1. They highlight that war leads to widespread pain, destroyed homes, torn communities, and disproportionately affects women and children 1.
The UISG's call is grounded in the belief that prayer and solidarity offer potent responses to the suffering caused by war, displacement, and injustice 1. Religious communities and all individuals of goodwill are invited to participate 1. The observance on August 14 will be structured around three key actions: collective prayer and reflection on the Word of God in the context of current crises; advocating for justice and reconciliation, urging civil and Church authorities to prioritize peace, disarmament, and human rights; and engaging in tangible solidarity through support networks and humanitarian aid 1.
The UISG underscores the immediate necessity of this action, stating, "We cannot wait. Peace must be built—and it must be built together" 1. Despite pervasive violence, the organization maintains its conviction that the principles of the Gospel, justice, and fraternity can still prevail 1. Resources, including a prayer guide and statements of solidarity, have been made available online by the UISG to facilitate participation 1.
What is the Church's teaching on fasting for peace?
The Catholic Church teaches that fasting for peace is a powerful spiritual weapon and a necessary practice for Christians, closely linked with prayer and charity . It is a means by which God intervenes in the lives of individuals and in the world, capable of changing history .
While the Church has specific obligatory fasting days (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) with defined parameters (one full meal and two smaller meals not equaling a full meal) , calls for fasting for peace, such as those initiated by the Pope, are often not obligatory in the same strict sense. Instead, they follow the guidelines of each Catholic's conscience . This can range from a "black fast" (no food or drink) to abstinence from specific items like meat or dessert . The key is that it should be a sacrifice involving some degree of hunger and self-restraint, always accompanied by prayer .
Popes have emphasized the importance of fasting not being restricted to food alone, but also from anything that can create addiction, encouraging reflection on how to fast in a way that impacts one's actual life .
Popes have consistently called for fasting and prayer in response to global conflicts:
These calls underscore the Church's belief that prayer, fasting, and charity are interconnected and powerful means for God to intervene in human affairs, fostering peace and justice .