Post-election roundup

Bishop Farrell on civility after the election

Bishop Kevin Farrell of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas asks us on his blog to allow reason to prevail in these post-election days:

“Come, let us reason together says the Lord.” Isaiah 1:8

Political campaigns tend to be rough and tumble, and the one we have just been through is no exception. Our democratic procedures are supposed to be a model for other nations but during the past year we have been a poor model.

Civility and truth have been bruised by both parties and demonizing and false labeling of candidates has occurred at all levels. Surely, as Americans, we can do better.

Read the rest of Bishop's thoughts at bishopkevinfarrell.org.

Pope Benedict XVI  and Cardinal Dolan send messages to Barack Obama

MESSAGE OF BENEDICT XVI TO U.S. PRESIDENT OBAMA

Vatican City, 7 November 2012 (VIS) - Benedict XVI, through the apostolic nunciature in Washington, U.S.A., has sent a message to Barack Obama, congratulating him on his re-election as president of the United States of America.

In his message the Holy Father expresses his best wishes to the president on his new mandate, and gives assurances of his prayers to God to help him carry out his serious responsibilities, both in his own country and within the international community. The Pope also speaks of his hope that the ideals of freedom and justice, which guided the founding fathers of the Unites States of America, may continue to shine out as the nation progresses.

Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. also made a brief comment on the re-election of President Obama. "As we all know", he said, "the U.S. president has an immense responsibility, not only in his own country but also towards the rest of the world, given the role the U.S.A. plays at an international level".

"For this reason we hope that President Obama will respond to his fellow citizens' expectations, serving law and justice for the good and development of all people, and respecting essential human and spiritual values while promoting a culture of life and religious freedom".

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CARDINAL DOLAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT OBAMA ON RE-ELECTION

WASHINGTON - Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, congratulated President Barack Obama, November 7, the day after his re-election as President of the United States. His letter follows.

Dear President Obama,

In my capacity as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to express my congratulations on your re-election as President of the United States. The people of our country have again entrusted you with a great responsibility. The Catholic Bishops of the United States offer our prayers that God will give you strength and wisdom to meet the difficult challenges that face America.

In particular, we pray that you will exercise your office to pursue the common good, especially in care of the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, and the immigrant. We will continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, most cherished liberty, religious freedom. We pray, too, that you will help restore a sense of civility to the public order, so our public conversations may be imbued with respect and charity toward everyone.

May God bless you and Vice President Biden as you prepare for your second term in service to our country and its citizens.

Sincerely yours,

Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York
President

Prayer after an election

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 enjoyin 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.

Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, revised edition (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007). The "Prayer After an Election" by Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, is used with permission.

Courtesy of USCCB.org.