Feast of the Holy Innocents

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

From Pax Christi USA prayer service Pax Christi USA:

Today death is placed side-by-side with birth. And why such a day of sorrow within these days of Christmas? Perhaps if told at any other season, this story of such cruelty might make our faith seem absurd. But we know that in the midst of such violence, the Light which darkness cannot overcome--the Prince of Peace--has come into our world. Throughout every
generation there are Herods who begrudge each new generation its very existence. Today we remember all holy innocents of every time and place. For Rachel has not ceased her weeping.