The 2016 presidential election is now a part of history: Donald J. Trump will become the 45th President of the United States of America when he is sworn in on Jan. 20, 2017.
It becomes our great challenge as a nation to channel partisan political feelings towards common cause. Our young people need supportive role models at this time.
Without irony, President-elect Donald Trump has called on all Americans “to bind the wounds of division.”
In her concession speech, Secretary Clinton asked us all “to build an America that’s hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted.”
We ask our members throughout the countryside to reach out and encourage a sense of unity — “to be at our best” for the sake of the country.
We take heart in the words expressed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who wished the new president well, “that he may have a truly fruitful government.” On behalf of the Vatican, the cardinal pledged “to pray that God enlightens him and supports him in the service of his country (and) also in the service of well-being and peace in the world.” His Holiness, Pope Francis tweeted on Wednesday, “May we make God’s merciful love ever more evident in our world through dialogue, mutual acceptance and fraternal cooperation.”
Let us extend these sentiments to all elected officials – U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and state offices – who now serve all citizens regardless of political affiliation, color, or creed.
As faithful citizens, let us all do our part to lead everyday lives of common decency, respect for one another and gratitude to a merciful God who loves us all.
May we make God’s merciful love ever more evident in our world through dialogue, mutual acceptance and fraternal cooperation.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 9, 2016
Let us pray:
God of all nations, Father of the human family, we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America. We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world. We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement. Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Amen.
“Prayer After an Election” by Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit.
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Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the American countryside. Since our founding in 1923, we work to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in the social and spiritual development of rural America. Our mission is to strengthen and sustain the Church in the countryside by educating and inspiring parish leaders and advocating on behalf of rural communities.
