At 11.00 a.m., today 11 November, the church bell in Louisburgh will be rung for peace.

A reminder that in 1918 the horrible slaughter of World War 1 came to and end at 11 o’clock on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

It was supposed that it was the ‘war to end all wars’ – sadly wars and the slaughter continue in many places

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Today, we pray for peace in all of these areas and that hearts and minds hardened to choosing the way violence will convert to the way of dialogue and peace.

Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict,

and ask that God may give us peace:

for the men and women

who have died in the violence of war,

each one remembered by and known to God;

may God give peace.

God give peace.

For those who love them in death as in life,

offering the distress of our grief

and the sadness of our loss;

may God give peace.

God give peace.

For all members of armed forces who are in danger this day,

remembering family, friends

and all who pray for their safe return;

may God give peace.

God give peace.

For civilian women, children and men whose lives are disfigured by war or terror,

calling to mind in penitence

the anger and hatreds of humanity;

may God give peace.

God give peace.

For peacemakers and peacekeepers,

who seek to keep this world secure and free;

may God give peace.

God give peace.

For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership,

political, military and religious;

asking for gifts of wisdom and resolve

in the search for reconciliation and peace;

may God give peace.

God give peace.

O God of truth and justice,

we hold before you those whose memory we cherish,

and those whose names we will never know.

Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.

As we honour the past,

may we put our faith in your future;

for you are the source of life and hope,

now and for ever. Amen.