On the feast day of Ss Cyril and Methodius, 14th February, the Cardinal has asked for prayers for peace for the people of Ukraine, as Western nations warn that Russia could invade its neighbour at any time.
In his message, he writes:
'Pray today for peace in Ukraine. Pray to Ss Cyril and Methodius, Patron Saints of Europe, so treasured among all the Slavic people.
'May their prayers and protection save their beloved people from warfare and bloodshed. Ss Cyril and Methodius, pray for us in these days of great danger.'
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has also renewed his prayers for the tense situation in Ukraine. Speaking on Sunday at the Angelus in St Peter’s Square, the Pope described the news coming out of Ukraine as 'very worrying'.
He entrusted the situation to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and appealed to political leaders to spare no effort to seek out peace.
'The news coming out of Ukraine is very worrying. I entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and to the conscience of political leaders, every effort on behalf of peace. Let us pray in silence.
Photo: Cardinal prays for Ukraine at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in London (Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk)
