Denver bishops organize prayer campaign ahead of elections

Denver, Colo., Nov 1, 2012 / 11:02 am

The Catholic bishops of Denver have called on Catholics across the U.S. to pray for the country ahead of the Nov. 6 elections, encouraging parishes in their archdiocese to organize rosaries and holy hours.

"As Americans we have a civic responsibility to vote and to participate in the political process," Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver said Oct. 30.

"As Catholics, we have a moral duty to vote with an informed conscience, and to pray for wisdom and guidance as we head to the voting booth."

Denver's Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception will expose the Blessed Sacrament for Eucharistic Adoration on Nov. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Archbishop Aquila asked Catholics to join him "in praying for our great nation" beginning this weekend.

"Let us ask God to bless us with the courage to live in the truth, and for leaders who are dedicated to protecting the rights of the unborn and religious liberty," he said.

Bishop James Conley, the outgoing auxiliary bishop of Denver who will soon become head of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb., also asked for prayers.

The Archdiocese of Denver is encouraging everyone to pray Cardinal Francis Spellman's mid-20th century "Prayer for America."

It asks God to bless the country "with a valiant, Godly spirit, with a vision to see, with the courage to try, with he power to achieve, that, marching behind Thee, Thy people shall not perish."

"God, bless our America! Hear our prayer for our united peoples, grant guidance to our leaders, protection to our sons, and teach each of us Thy way of life in good will and peace," the prayer concludes.