Bishop Of Trenton On Ukraine-Russia: ‘Pray For Peace In Region'

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Amid the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine, the Bishop Of the Catholic Diocese of Trenton in Mercer County, released a statement, calling on worshippers to pray for “peace in the region.”

“As the attention of the entire world is riveted on the unfolding military crisis in Ukraine, I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to pray fervently for peace in that region of the world and the protection of our Ukrainian sisters and brothers there,” Rev. David M. O'Connell, Bishop of Trenton said in a statement Thursday morning.

Russian troops launched an assault on Ukraine on Thursday, an attack that brought explosions before dawn to the country's capital, Kyiv, and other cities.

Ukraine's leadership said at least 40 people had been killed in what is called a "full-scale war" targeting the country from the east, north and south, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere in Ukraine would "lead to consequences you have never seen in history." Read More: Here's What To Know As Russia Attacks Ukraine

On Thursday, O'Connell echoed the remarks made by Pope Francis during his general audience on Feb. 23, when he said there was “great pain” in his heart over the worsening situation in Ukraine.

"He appealed “to all sides to abstain from any actions that could provoke more suffering to the populations, de-establishing coexistence among nations.” He concluded his remarks, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother, “May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war’,” O'Connell said.

The Bishop asked worshippers to participate in a day of “prayer and fasting” for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2, at the beginning of the holy season of Lent.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton includes Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.

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