Statement by Louis Brown, Jr., Esq., Executive Director of Christ Medicus Foundation
For Immediate Release
(Troy, MI) March 1, 2022
We enter this Lenten Season with a heavy heart, but also with hope – the hope of Christ. The people of Ukraine are suffering from Russia’s unjust, unlawful war of aggression and are rightly defending their homeland and families. We stand with Ukraine and pray for not only Ukrainians but also the people of Russia that our Lord will bring peace and end this conflict.
Pope Francis has called on all people’s around the world to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine. He said:
“And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.”
Christ entered the desert to pray, fast, and prepare himself as an offering for the world. As we prepare for His Passion and for His Easter rising, we should keep the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, persecuted Christians especially in Africa, and those suffering spiritually and physically throughout the world in our prayers. Now is an important time to offer our Lord sacrifice of fasting in reparation for the sins of mankind and in reparation for our own sins as our Blessed Mother asked us to do at Fatima. Now is also a good time to renew our almsgiving as well. Among many important efforts, I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting the work of Caritas Ukraine, a Catholic organization led by an amazing Catholic leader and dear friend. Caritas Ukraine needs our help as they prayerfully do Christ’s work of serving the needs of Ukrainians who are experiencing unimaginable suffering. Please pray for this organization and the people they are serving and find out more about Caritas Ukraine here.
In this Lenten Season, we are invited to go away with Christ into the desert to leave behind that which does not fulfill and to renew our hearts for the one thing that is essential: our love for and communion with Jesus Christ. During this time and especially on Ash Wednesday, we are called to fast and to pray for detachment from the world and greater attachment to God, for deeper conversion, and for peace throughout the world, especially in Ukraine.
The Christ Medicus Foundation shares Jesus Christ’s healing love in health care. We champion religious freedom for medical professionals and patients. We promote Christ-centered pro-life medical care, and we offer our CURO Catholic health care community for medical needs and whole-person wellness. Founded in 1997, the Christ Medicus Foundation works to accomplish its mission in religious freedom and medical conscience through promoting public policy and education, supporting Christ-centered pro-life medical centers and our CURO health care community.
PRESS CONTACT: Kathy Dempsey for Christ Medicus Foundation