Dear Parishioners:
There are some big events taking place this week. On Monday, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the inauguration of President Trump. And, of course, on Monday night, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on the Buckeyes of the Ohio State University for the National College Football Championship.
A famous photo, taken on June 21, 1964, at a civil rights rally in Soldier Field in Chicago, shows Father Hesburgh together with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., singing "We Shall Overcome."
Dr. King led the struggle for civil rights and racial equality for African Americans in our country. As we remember Dr. King, let us continue to pray and work for an end to the unjust evil of racism in our world. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated this week:
“Dr. King’s memorial holiday is a fitting occasion to recall his words from the letter from a Birmingham jail, in which he stated, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ In reflecting on the continuing realities of racial injustice, immigrant families seeking welcome, and economic disparity, these words remind us that we are connected and responsible for each other as we seek to fulfill the dream.”
On Monday, President-elect Donald J. Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. In the historic ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, a peaceful power transfer occurs as the new President is sworn into office. Let us pray for our President and our country.
In 1789, John Carroll was appointed the first Bishop of Baltimore, the first diocese in the new United States. He later became the first Archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Baltimore. Archbishop Carroll administered the entire U.S. Catholic Church until 1808. General Washington had sent then-Fr. Carroll and Benjamin Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Canada during the Revolutionary War. And the Founding Father’s deep respect for Fr. Carroll played a part in his being named the first Archbishop of Baltimore. Carroll wrote a beautiful prayer for the government that we should pray this week:
“We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining 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 so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state, for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by your powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.”
OLM Students praying at Weekly Mass.
As we celebrate these important events for our nation, another important event begins next Sunday: Catholic Schools Week! Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week has been the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It seeks to highlight the outstanding achievements in academics, the arts, athletics, and faith formation provided by our Catholic Schools across the country.
At OLM, we celebrate with a week of special events. We begin next Sunday with an Open House at OLM School from 10:00 am until Noon. Stop by and take a tour and meet our excellent faculty and terrific students. OLM School students will be speaking at all Masses next weekend about their experience at our outstanding school. Join us in celebrating OLM School, where we strive daily to become saints and scholars!
As we celebrate the Presidential Inauguration on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, please pray for our nation, the President, the U.S. Congress, and the R.I. General Assembly. Remember, God and prayer are non-partisan. Be well. Do good. God Bless America! And go Fighting Irish!!