As the anniversaries of the Trinity Test (July 16) and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9) grow near, we must be aware and inform others that the risk of a nuclear war is greater today than it has been since 1986. There are no nuclear weapons limitation treaties, no treaties about monitoring nuclear developments, and most of the nuclear powers are posed to modernize and expand their nuclear arsenals. (France has already promised to increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads.) As we pray to remember the victims of past nuclear weapons, let us pray for our present and the coming future.
Use this link to visit our resources page for 2026.
Prayer
Sr. Diane Smith, CSJLA, a member of the Pax Christi USA Disarmament Working Group, has written this litany to Our Lady of Nagasaki:
Remembering the devastation of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, we turn to you, Our Lady of Nagasaki, to comfort the suffering and sorrowful. Protect us from the ongoing threat of conflict and nuclear war. Fill our hearts with love and hope for a world free of hatred and revenge.
We ask for your intercession: that hearts will be converted.
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that nuclear weapons never again be unleashed on your people
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that world leaders realize that nuclear weapons do not bring peace
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that world leaders implement the UN Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that weapons of mass destruction be forever banned
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that we may turn away from violence
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that we embrace a culture of peace,
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that we may be reconcilers
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that we choose dialogue over conflict
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that the world may find the courage to disarm nuclear weapons
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that we may be sheltered from war, hatred and oppression
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
that we build a future filled with love, justice and lasting peace.
Our Lady of Nagasaki lead us to love and peace
Our Lady of Nagasaki, we pray that you will accompany us as we
work for peace and nuclear disarmament among nations. As your
son Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” May we not hate those who
cause harm but pray for their salvation and conversion. Help us
“act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with our God’” (Micah 5:6).
Root love and peace firmly in our hearts and in our world.
Amen.
Study
Here are some links to significant statements on the present situation:
- Daniel Ellsberg’s last interview, a 30-minute video: https://www.anordinaryinsanity.com/
- Pax Christi International’s Report on the recent Nonproliferation Review Conference at the UN in New York: Growing concerns after the 2026 NPT Review Conference
- An arms control expert’s taker on the NPT Conference: RevCon 2026: Expert warns nuclear treaty under strain amid nuclear threats, global conflicts
Action
As you plan for actions to commemorate the anniversaries mentioned above, please consider incorporating the Hiroshima Lanterns Project in your actions, prayer vigils and liturgies.
Lanterns for peace: From Hiroshima to the world is a global commemoration inspired by the traditional lantern ceremonies held in Hiroshima. Local groups are invited to create small floating lanterns to launch on ponds, lakes, or other public water, as a reminder of those who suffered, in solidarity with survivors, and in hope for a future free from nuclear weapons. After you’ve created and launched your lanterns, please share photos and/or the stories of your launch event with Pax Christi USA and Pax Christi International.
Use this link to let Pax Christi International know if you want to join in this activity.
Download the PDF posted below to find details about how to participate.