Holy Week 2026 will soon be with us. Among the liturgies of that week is Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday). Among the elements of that liturgy are the Solemn Intercessions, ten prayers in which the assembly petitions God on behalf of the church and the world. Here is what the Roman Missal says about these Intercessions in its rubrics for Good Friday:
11. The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Solemn Intercessions, which take place in this way: the deacon, if a deacon is present, or if he is not, a lay minister, stands at the ambo, and sings or says the invitation in which the intention is expressed. Then all pray in silence for a while, and afterwards the priest, standing at the chair or, if appropriate, at the altar, with hands extended, sings or says the prayer.
The faithful may remain either kneeling or standing throughout the entire period of the prayers.
12. Before the priest’s prayer, in accord with tradition, it is permissible to use the deacon’s invitations Let us kneel — Let us stand, with all kneeling for silent prayer.
The Conferences of Bishops may provide other invitations to introduce the prayer of the priest.
13. In a situation of grave public need, the Diocesan Bishop may permit or order the addition of a special intention.
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The United States is engaged in war against Iran. This war has already seen other nations suffer loss and damages in the tinder box that is the Middle East. It has inflamed tensions between Jews and Muslims in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
Russia is waging war against Ukraine.
Sudan is riven by civil war.
The government of Myanmar is waging war against its people.
The list goes on.
Perhaps we are “in a situation of grave public need” indicating a need for a special prayer for peace with justice.
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