Bishop Asks Faithful To Join in Prayer For Nation in Lead-up to Election

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I invite and encourage all the clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful to join together with me in praying this “Novena for the United States of America” from Monday, October 26 through Election Day, November 3, 2020.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (recited each day):

God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people.

Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders and citizens. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany respecting and protecting human life and religious liberty. Help us to bring an end to racial injustice, violence and all the evils that divide us.  Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will.  Make us instruments of your peace!

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death” and lead us always to respect life in all its stages and circumstance.  We ask this through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.  (Source: adapted from www.catholicdigest.com)

(Here mention intention: For, etc.)

THEN, RECITE AN OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY AND GLORY BE EACH DAY FOR OUR NATION

(individual recommended intentions for each day of the Novena)

Monday, October 26: For an end to abortion in our country and for respect for life in all its stages, from conception to natural death

Tuesday, October 27: For an end to the COVID pandemic in our country and for all those affected by it

Wednesday, October 28: For an end to racism and social injustice in our country

Thursday, October 29: For the protection of religious liberty in our country and around the world

Friday, October 30: For those who protect and serve us in law enforcement in our country and for an end to violence and destruction, especially in our cities

Saturday, October 31: For those who protect our country in the armed forces at home and around the world and for peace in the world

Sunday, November 1: For the poor, for immigrants and refugees, for the forgotten and most abandoned in our country

Monday, November 2: For the protection of marriage as the faithful union of one man and one woman and for the strengthening of family life in our country

Tuesday, November 3: For those who govern our country and for those who are running for elected office that they might serve with a commitment to life, respect, compassion, liberty and justice for all