25 March 2003

Dear Brothers,

On October 4th, 1964, Paul VI stood before the world community as represented in United Nations ambassadors assembled in New York and delivered this simple message: War never again! He did so in the midst of a long-standing conflict in Southeast Asia that had over the years involved many nations and taken innumerable lives.

In recent months, his successor, John Paul II, has delivered a message of equal urgency, and called for prayer, patience, and restraint. Unfortunately, the message of both leaders of our Church have gone unheeded.

I share the Pope?s conviction about the current war in Iraq and its long term consequences. I realize also that statements condemning war and injustice measure up to little else but empty words without action on the part of people of faith. And so, I ask each of you to join me in taking to heart the message of the Pope and to pray for peace, even in the midst of the war unfolding currently in the middle East. I encourage you also to spare no effort in working on behalf of peace, peace in Iraq and that long lasting peace among peoples that will come about only as a result of steady work on behalf of justice.

Finally, please do all within your power, and in union with our lay partners, to educate our students and all whom you serve as to the Church?s position on the war in Iraq and the constant message of the Pope calling for peace and an end to the conflict. I ask you to join me in supporting his efforts and his prayer.

Thank you.

Blessings,

Brother Seán D. Sammon, FMS
Superior General

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