1st Amendment Stuff

There has been quite a bit on the web and elsewhere about the federal government's velvet gloved (so far) persecution of Catholics. At the moment it's the order to pay for abortions and contraceptives that's in the news. But there's also this. I'm sure you don't need The Inn to tell you about it.

But you may have missed some of the response. The lawsuits have been in the news. But the calls to prayer less so. Here's something from the bishops of the United States. One of our local parishes - St Peter Chanel - is having a holy hour with the Rosary tonight to begin the fortnight. Perhaps there is something in your area. Prayer is our most powerful response. And perhaps our Lords Temporal in Washington may take note that we are not all the Judases and Talleyrands that they would wish.

Here is an old collect, my suggestion for a daily prayer. It seems to be asking for a miracle under the circumstances. But that's all right; the church is familiar with miracles.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.