The Leadership Council of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph is inviting all friends and supporters of the community to join them and congregations from around the country in days of prayer, fasting and advocacy for issues affecting our nation and the world.

The Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR) has issued a call for “100 Days of Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy” among the women’s religious congregations and their friends and associates. Each LCWR congregation — which includes Mount Saint Joseph — is invited to select one or more days from the Feast of the Ascension (May 29) through the Friday following Labor Day (September 5) to commit to a congregational day of prayer, fasting, and advocacy for issues affecting our nation and the world.

The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have chosen three days, and invite others to join them:

• Thursday, June 26, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with advocacy for immigrants/migrants, survivors of torture, displaced and deported persons, those experiencing loss of due process protections;
• Saturday, July 26, Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, with advocacy for vulnerable populations such as those who are elderly, have disabilities, are homeless or live in substandard housing; and
• Tuesday, August 12, International Youth Day, with advocacy for all programs supporting children and youth.

 On these chosen days, the Council — Sisters Sharon Sullivan, Martha Keller, Monica Seaton, and Ann McGrew — ask us to unite in prayer, fasting and advocacy to:

• Pray in the way that resonates with your spirit and reflects your concerns and your responses to the present needs of those who are poor and vulnerable;
• Fast from whatever keeps you from being Spirit-led and mission-focused, seeking wisdom and ongoing change of heart, and respect for the dignity of all persons; and
• Advocate for the systemic changes and practices that align with God’s dream for our hurting brothers and sisters and for movement toward a just and lasting peace.

As the days near, the Sisters will share from a variety of resources that might assist in our advocacy, prayer, and fasting.

“We look forward to joining our hearts and prayers with Sisters and (supporters) from coast to coast,” the Sisters said.