Paris, France, Aug 7, 2012 / 01:27 am
Leaders of the Catholic Church in France have asked all Catholic dioceses to unite in prayer for the country's future and common good on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Monsignor Bernard Podvin, the French Catholic bishops' conference spokesman, said in a July 30 announcement that social and economic crises made it "essential to raise awareness" and ask for guidance regarding "our personal and collective decisions."
Intended to be offered in all French churches on Aug. 15, the prayers seek wisdom for legislators and governing authorities, relief from effects of the European economic crisis, and the strengthening of marriage and family life.
The national prayer is in keeping with a French Catholic tradition dating back to the 17th century, to pray specifically for the nation on the solemnity of the Assumption.