At Blessed Annotations, we believe that faith is not just something we live privately, but something we share as a community of prayer. This week, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has called all the faithful to unite in a day of fasting and prayer for peace on Friday, August 22.

The Pope’s invitation comes at a time when many regions of the world—including the Holy Land and Ukraine—are suffering the deep wounds of war, displacement, and loss. He reminded us that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but a “disarmed and disarming peace”—a peace rooted in prayer, humility, and trust in God.

Why August 22 Matters

This date is not by chance. It falls on the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day when we honor Mary as Queen of Peace. Pope Leo encouraged us to place our petitions under Mary’s mantle, asking her to intercede for the world and guide us to the path of reconciliation.

How We Can Participate

As a Catholic community, let’s respond together:

• Fast with intention – Offer your sacrifices for peace and healing in the world.
• Pray the Rosary – Invoke Mary, Queen of Peace, especially through the Glorious Mysteries.
• Spend time in Adoration – Sit with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and pray for nations torn by war.
• Journal or reflect – Write your intentions in your prayer journal and lift them up during the day.

A Spiritual Invitation

Even small acts of faith—skipping a meal, offering a decade of the Rosary, or writing a prayer in your planner—can become part of a great spiritual movement. As we unite in fasting and prayer this Friday, let’s remember that our Church is strongest when we walk together in hope.

May Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us. ✝️