Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Peace prayer attributed to St Francis of Assisi
27 October 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace held in Assisi in 1986, when Pope St. John Paul II invited leaders of the world's religions to come together to fast and pray for peace.
To mark this historic milestone, His Eminence George Jacob Cardinal Koovakad, Prefect for the Dicastery for Inter-religious Dialogue, is inviting every local parish to commemorate the anniversary through initiatives suited to their own community including liturgies and local ecumenical and interfaith services. The resources below, prepared by the Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue, offer practical guidance and materials to help parishes plan their commemoration.
Resources for Parishes
- Guidelines to celebrate an inter-religious and ecumenical service.
- Prayers and Intercessions for Peace — ready to use in parish liturgies. The Intercessions for Peace may be incorporated into Sunday Mass either before the World Day of Prayer for Peace, or on the following Sunday.
- Parish Bulletin Notice — a ready-made notice for your bulletin.
Mass Suggestions
27 October 2026 falls on the 30th Tuesday in Ordinary Time, Year II. As this is Mass ad libitum, parishes may opt to use one of the following Masses for Various Needs from the Roman Missal:
- Mass for the Progress of Peoples (Roman Missal, pp. 1358–1359)
- Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice (Roman Missal, pp. 1360–1361)
Suggested Preface: Any of the Common Prefaces may be used.
Suggested Solemn Blessing: The “Aaronic blessing” (Num. 6:22-27), commonly associated with St. Francis of Assisi with Brother Leo (Solemn Blessing #9, Ordinary Time I, Roman Missal, pp. 714–715) — may also be given on this day.