MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT
of the ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE

Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire,

Archbishop Elect, Archdiocese of Castries, St.
Lucia.

The hearts of the Caribbean people are broken and wounded as we
learn of the invasion of the vulnerable sovereign state of the Ukrainian
People’s Republic by the Russian Federation, the subsequent loss of innocent
lives, and the severe suffering of its people. In addition, the invasion has
created a refugee crisis and caused the painful break-up of families, a nation,
and communities. Throughout the Caribbean region, public commentators,
religious leaders, governments, and civil society have been expressing
solidarity with the Ukrainians, condemning the violent and unlawful actions of
the Russians, and calling for an end to such brutality.

We are also concerned about the dire and uncertain fate of Caribbean
students living in the Ukraine, the economic impact of rising oil prices on our
Caribbean nations, and the failure of regular diplomatic efforts to resolve
international issues. Like the Coronavirus pandemic, this crisis has
international implications as it causes rising inflation and increasing oil
prices. This now places greater financial and psychological burdens on our
people.

As president of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), I support
the call of Pope Francis who declared Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Ash Wednesday,
as a Day of Fasting for Peace. Pope Francis reminds us that “Jesus taught
us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s
weapons, prayer and fasting.”

On this synodal journey, I invite the People of God, the laity, the clergy and religious in all
the dioceses of the AEC to gather virtually and/or physically in parishes,
homes, religious communities, chapels on Ash Wednesday to pray for global and
regional peace, and specifically for peace in Ukraine.

May the Son of Justice and Peace rise in our hearts and actions, and provide the light of hope. May Mary, the Queen of Peace, intercede on our behalf.

Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire President

Antilles Episcopal Conference