Prayer for the world

<details class="accordion"> <summary>Prayer for Iraq</summary><p> <b>We pray for Iraq on the Holy Mountain in February 2026</b><br><br> <a href="https://farnost-svatahora.cz/storage/pages/attachments/01KGH29Z1F9RFMGC1KG4DEE73G.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The intercessions for each day can be downloaded here.</a><br><br> Iraq is a country whose name often conjures up images of war and violence. Yet it is one of the oldest and most culturally rich regions of the world. It was here, in Mesopotamia between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, that the first urban civilisations, writing and laws were established. Cities such as Babylon, Ur and Nineveh belong not only in the history books but also in the biblical world - Abraham came out of Ur and the prophet Jonah preached in Nineveh.<br><br> Contemporary Iraq is ethnically and religiously diverse. The majority of the population is Muslim, both Shia and Sunni, but alongside them there have been Christians, Yazidis and Mandeans for centuries. This diversity is an asset, but unfortunately, in times of a weak state, it has also become a source of tension. Still, for many Iraqis, the daily coexistence of different communities is a fact of life, not a problem.<br><br> Christianity has very deep roots in Iraq, going back to apostolic times. A special place among Christians is occupied by the Chaldeans, belonging to the Chaldean Catholic Church. Their liturgy is still prayed in Aramaic, a language close to the language of Jesus. Until a few decades ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians lived in Iraq; however, wars, terrorism and insecurity have led to mass emigration. Yet those who have remained bear witness to a faith that does not give up even in difficult circumstances.<br><br> Why pray for Iraq? Because it is a country of great beginnings and deep wounds. Prayer for Iraq is a prayer for healing of memory, for justice instead of revenge, and for peace that will allow people to live side by side again without fear. It is a plea that the land where the first chapters of human history were written may also write a chapter of new hope.<br></p> </details>

<details class="accordion"> <summary>Prayer for Indonesia</summary> <p><b>We prayed for Indonesia on the Holy Mountain in January 2026</b><br><br> <a href="https://farnost-svatahora.en/storage/pages/attachments/01KGH29Z15DMX1YK6T7050YC6Y.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The intercessions for each day can be downloaded here.</a> <br><br> Indonesia is a country that is hard to fit into one definition. Spread over more than 17,000 islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it is the fourth most populous nation in the world with a population of nearly 280 million. The capital is Jakarta, a vibrant megapolis that is gradually relinquishing its role to the newly built capital of Nusantara on the island of Borneo due to overpopulation and declining subsoil.<br><br> Indonesia is a country of extreme contrasts. Here we find active volcanoes, dense tropical forests, as well as modern financial districts and a rapidly growing middle class. Among the greatest natural and cultural treasures are the Borobudur temple, the traditional culture of Bali and the unique fauna, including the Komodo dragon. The country is also a major world producer of palm oil, nickel and coal, bringing economic growth but also environmental burdens.<br><br> Indonesia's biggest problems include deforestation, ocean pollution, social inequality and corruption. Maintaining the unity of the state is also a challenge - Indonesia is extremely ethnically, linguistically and religiously diverse. Yet it has long managed to maintain stability through the state's Pancasila ideology, which emphasises faith in God, humanity and social cohesion.<br><br> Religiously, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, yet it is not an Islamic state. In addition to Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism officially exist here. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population, or about eight million people. The Catholic Church in Indonesia has a solid structure of dioceses, schools, hospitals and charitable institutions, and is generally respected beyond its own faithful.<br><br> The Catholic Church in Indonesia is known for its commitment to education, social outreach and interfaith dialogue. In many regions - such as East Timor, Flores and Papua - it plays a key role in preserving local identity and the dignity of the people. Despite occasional tensions, Indonesia remains an example that religious diversity can be a source of stability, not conflict.<br><br> Indonesia is thus not just an exotic destination, but a laboratory for the coexistence of modern society, faith and tradition - a world that is distant yet in many ways inspiringly close.<br></p> </details>

For many people, the world has changed at the turn of 2019 and 2020. On the last day of 2019, the first serious case of the coronavirus COVID-19 was officially recorded, and shortly afterwards, countries gradually began to protect themselves from its massive spread by closing their borders and adopting strict bans and orders, including the mandatory wearing of face veils, the observance of spacing, bans on assembly, and the closure of schools, most shops, restaurants and hotels. Two years later, when humanity seemed to have mastered the problem, the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, after which several other wars flared up, including the one in the Holy Land. According to current statistics, international or civil unrest is taking place in 61 locations in 36 countries.

At the same time, a long-term project, Prayer for a Safe World, was launched in Prague's Bubenč district, which is home to most of the country's diplomatic missions, involving not only faithful Catholics but also non-believing citizens and many foreign embassies. Month after month, on the first Monday of every month, a composed evening was held in the church, which began with an actual prayer in the middle of the Mass, where the priest recited prayers for the main leaders of a particular country or the church that operates there, and after the Mass, three presenters introduced the country in question with words, photographs and short videos. There were greetings from the representatives of the state and the church, and finally the presentation of the symbols of the state in the form of the flag, the emblem and the national anthem.

From January 2020 to December 2025, 72 countries from Afghanistan to India, including those nations or regions seeking their independence, have been connected through this spiritual and educational activity. The activity was initially patronized by Pope Francis himself, the then Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic Charles Daniel Balvo and his successor Jude Thaddeus Okolo, and continues to be supported by the Diplomatic Protocol of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since January 2026, this project, which has long since transcended the boundaries of one Prague district, has continued on Svatá Hora. The first country to be introduced by Pastor Miloš Szabo and moderator Jiří Václavek will be Indonesia, followed by Iraq in February, Iran in March and then other countries.

The first evening of this transnational project took place on Monday, January 5, 2026. It began with Mass at 5:00 p.m., and continued with the aforementioned program at approximately 5:45 p.m. Two information panels about Indonesia were installed in the church that evening, and leaflets with prayer intentions for each day were available all month, with these intentions based on realities or points of interest specific to Indonesia.

The second evening of this multinational project will take place on Monday, 2 February 2026. The theme this time will be Iraq.

The program is not only for believers and the Basilica is open to all who are not indifferent to the future of our planet. So that future generations of humanity can live in peace and security.