July 5, 2020 - "Archbishop Carroll's Prayer"

As we enter this holiday weekend, let us be thankful for the many blessings that we have.  We certainly have our challenges.  In many parts of the country, particularly in the western and the southern parts of the United States.  In a recent letter to her constituents Delegate Bonnie Cullison of District 19 remarked that the scientists seem to agree that our risk of becoming ill through the COVID-19 virus will not really be minimal until 70% of the population is immune, primarily through a vaccine.  While there is progress on a vaccine, with the needed clinical trials, it is still likely nine to twelve months away.  In the meantime we need to take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our families safe—notably through washing our hands for at least twenty seconds, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance of at least six feet when we venture out in public.
 
Archbishop John Carroll wrote a prayer on November 10, 1791, which he requested be prayed in parishes throughout the Diocese of Baltimore, which would have included the fourteen states that been admitted to the Union.  Vermont was added to the original thirteen on March 4, 1791.  Archbishop Carroll’s prayer has been adapted in Chapter 69 in the Book of Blessings as a prayer for an inauguration.  I am presenting it here as a prayer that we might pray for our nation during these challenging and troubled times:
 
Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations, God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.
 
Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his/her administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to your people over whom he/she presides.  May he/she encourage due respect for virtue and religion.  May he/she execute the laws with justice and mercy.  May he/she seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.
 
Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government.  May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.
 
We pray for the governor of this state, for members of the legislature, for judges, elected civil officials, and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare.  May they be enabled by your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and ability.
We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy all citizens of the United States, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law.  May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.  We pray to you, who are Lord and God, forever and ever.  Amen.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John