Rome, Italy, Nov 6, 2012 / 14:20 pm
Catholics in the Eternal City are holding an all-night Eucharistic vigil, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., praying that U.S. voters help their country by electing politicians who will support Christian values.
"We're praying that the Holy Spirit guide those who vote, especially all Catholics and people of good will," said Father Frederick Gruber, 28, who is studying for his license in sacred theology at the Marianum. "We're praying that life be protected, that the leaders elected will really help our country at all levels of government."
The vigil, which had 18 people attending its first hour, is being held in Rome's San Lorenzo parish.
The event was organized by the San Lorenzo Center, an international center for young Catholics that hosts a variety of faith and fellowship activities, much like a vibrant Newman Center in America. The idea for the vigil came from Ann Schneible, 28, a freelance journalist and the center's former communications director.