As the United States of America and Canada become hotbeds of anti Catholic violence, the vices of both nations are continuing to cause suffering to Catholics to the south of their borders.
Drug cartels in Mexico have recently abandoned their respect for Catholic institutions and have started to target churches, priests and places once thought to be off limits for drug violence.
The situation has gotten so bad that the Bishops of Mexico are holding weeks of prayer, from last Monday until the end of the month, in order to bring attention and healing to the situation.
Only weeks ago, two Jesuit priests were slaughtered by drug barons in Chihuahua. At least one drug group, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation, have called for an end to the targeting of religious groups while others have continued to harass bishops and priests.
The mission will finish on July 31st with a day of prayer for victims of drug violence across Mexico.
Ultimately, the campaign is part of a high profile effort to get the government to reconsider its failed strategy aimed at tackling the drug violence crisis.
In an Op-Ed in Mexican media, the Bishops explained the rationale behind the event:
Starting tomorrow, Monday, July 11, and until the last day of the month, Masses will be celebrated in significant places in the Mexican Republic, representing all people who have disappeared or suffered a violent death in Mexico.
And to conclude this initiative, in the Masses that will be celebrated on July 31, we will ask for the conversion of all the victimizers, of those who dedicate their lives to doing evil, since they are also our brothers and sisters and need our prayer.
As a country underpinned by Christian values, Mexico cannot be overcome by discouragement or frustration; on the contrary, he must place his hope in Jesus Christ Our Lord, who overcame death when the victory of evil seemed definitive.
We want there to be an openness to dialogue between government authorities and those who make up civil society, in which academics, businessmen, specialists in peace processes, leaders of social organizations participate, and in which we are allowed to share our experiences. A dialogue that contributes to an effective strategy of national pacification.
Today is the time to act. To God praying and with the gavel giving: let us all assume the task of building peace, from the family, from the classrooms, from our neighborhood communities and social circles, always seeking national unity.
But above all, let us always raise our prayers, especially for our rulers, "that we may have peace and tranquility, and lead a pious and dignified life. This is good and pleasing to God our Savior." (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-3).