Louisiana Congressman drew on Ignatian spirituality for decision on health care vote

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Comments: 8

Rep. Cao

Washington D.C., Nov 19, 2009 / 03:04 am (CNA).- A U.S. Congressman from Louisiana who is a former Jesuit seminarian said his background in Ignatian spirituality has helped him discern right decisions in his work. His attendance at Mass before a major vote on health care reform particularly affected him, he reported.

The Vietnamese-born Anh “Joseph” Cao told National Jesuit News that he uses Ignatian methods like the examination of conscience and the practices of the 30 day silent retreat.

“I do that very often. Using the whole process of discernment to see where the Spirit is moving me has been extremely important, especially in my recent decision to support the health care reform plan,” Rep. Cao said.

He explained that the Jesuit emphasis on social justice and advocacy for the poor, the widow, and those who cannot help themselves plays a significant part in his decisions, but ultimately he bases his choices on his conscience and how the Holy Spirit is moving him.

“The issues that we contend with in Congress affect every single person here in the United States, so I want to make sure that my decisions are based on good principles and good morals,” Rep. Cao said.

Cao, the only Republican Congressman to vote for the House’s proposed health care reform bill, told National Jesuit News that he went to Mass and prayed before the vote. The readings were from Isaiah and the priest gave a homily about not being afraid.

“I really felt a personal touch during this homily, that this homily was meant for me,” he reported.

Rep. Cao said he knew if he voted yes he would be “the most hated Republican in the country” but the Mass gave him the strength to support the bill.

The Congressman remarked that he sees everything in life as “a gift” and is “not too attached” to being a Congressman.

“I see myself as being there to serve God, to do what is God’s will in my life, and if things happen to change, the next year or two, then I’m pretty happy and pretty satisfied,” he explained.

Saying that health care reform is needed to help those “who cannot help themselves” he commented that it is also important to ensure that “core moral values” are not compromised.

He said he believed that supporting the bill would probably end his political career, but he made clear to the House leadership his non-negotiable opposition to federal funding of abortion.

Comments: 8

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Bill
Arlington, TX, USA 11/21/2009 01:54 PM EST

If Rep. Cao has a non-negotiable opposition to abortion, then why did he vote for the bill? His stated position simply makes no sense as the bill has a loop-hole big enough to drive a truck through; i.e., the health of the mother loop-hole which can mean anything. A woman's doctor can simply state that if she doesn't have the abortion, she will feel depressed. Such loop-holes have been used to get around various state laws limiting abortions.

Published by: Jame
Alex., VA, USA 11/19/2009 02:17 PM EST

paul c the statement "former Jesuit eminarian" was put in to let the reader know that Rep. Cao actualy knows what Ignatian spirituality is. It was not a judgmental statement, it was simply a statement of fact to help the reader infer the subject's level of knowledge. You're statement on the other hand is a judgmental rant. I oppose the current versions of "health care reform"; however, I am not so blind and close-minded as to believe that my reading of the constitution. I disagree with but respect Rep. Cao's vote whereas I agree with how you would vote but do not respect the reasoning (or lack thereof) behind it.

Published by: Randy
Rockwall / Texas / USA 11/19/2009 01:56 PM EST

If he is voting for the bill without the Stupak amendment and without protection of conscience, then he is a one of those Pelosi Catholics. All too often we hear people say they prayed and acted acording to their conscience. But that's what Pelost, Kerry, Kennedy and the like always say.

Published by: Bill
Carpinteria CA USA 11/19/2009 01:20 PM EST

Thank God that this guy was not ultimately called to the priesthood. Our calling to 'Christian Charity' was given by Christ to each individual Christian not to the government. Surely you can see why. The government consumes so much of what is 'programmed' for helping the poor that there is little left for the poor. As for abortion and birth-control: "The most radical and elevating affirmation of the value of every human being, was made by the Son of God in his becoming man in the womb of a woman." Pope John Paul II

Published by: Dan
Bel Air/MD/USA 11/19/2009 09:58 AM EST

Do not believe a vote for the House bill is the right thing because of the 'Public Option.' However... Gratifying to learn that a Congressman actually seeks devine guidence. I applaud the courage to not compromise on one's understanding of issues of truth(and I very much agree with his position on abortion), and pray Rep Cao's example will someday be the norm for legislators in our country - and that his faith will be support for a long life of outstanding public service. I will vote for him.

Published by: paul c
germantown, md 11/19/2009 08:40 AM EST

"former seminarian" means absolutely nothing of value - did he quite because he loved satan? He supported a bill that prevents conscience protection, will strongly pressure the old and "useless" to sacrifice themselves if not directly force the decision, and supports abortifacient contraceptives for all - this guy's practically a priest, practically the pope, practically OBAMA. He ought to quit THIS career as well!

Published by: Alan Kmiecik
Brentwood, TN, USA 11/19/2009 07:08 AM EST

Sounds so nice but in his work as a congressman his duty to God (and to country) is to follow the Constitution. Sure the poor need help with healthcare but that is the job of the Church, not the government. Did Christ do anything to try and change his government?

Published by: Chien
Antioch/CA/USA 11/19/2009 03:51 AM EST

I hope Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao live up to his statements: non-negotiable opposition to federal funding of abortion, and ensuring that “core moral values” are not compromised, especially in his support and votes.

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