Baltimore, Md., Nov 12, 2017 / 19:38 pm
Speaking to the US bishops gathered for the opening Mass of their plenary assembly on Sunday, the Vatican Secretary of State encouraged them to continue their prophetic witness in the face of the challenges facing the country.
Recalling the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said this "divine wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit," which "enables us to serve God by doing his will."
"May the fire of God's love inspire you as a body to make wise decisions free of all partisan spirit," he added.
The US bishops were gathered for Mass Nov. 12 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore for their fall assembly. This year's assembly marks the centenary of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which was founded in 1917 as the National Catholic War Council.