Monday, March 9, 2015

Prayer and Fasting for Marriage

Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, and Bishop William Dendinger of Grand Island have us to pray and fast for marriage today.

In a joint statement they said, “We ask all Catholics and people of good will to continue to fast and pray that God’s plan for marriage and family life will be affirmed. Marriage was established by God before the state and before the Church, and the vitality of both depends on the fruitful union of husband and wife.”

This came after U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon’s decision which would have made same-sex marriages legal in Nebraska. The Eighth Circuit has chosen to stay Bataillon’s ruling so it does not go in effect today.

Still today is a time to defend our belief in a marriage as a sacrament defend “the authentic meaning of marriage.” The bishops have asked us to pray for marriage today  through such means as Eucharistic adoration, daily Mass, prayer with Scripture, the Rosary, and time in private prayer.

Here at St. Columbkille we will have Eucharistic Exposition starting after the 8:15 Mass and finishing with Benediction at 10:00.

In a January column, Bishop Conley wrote that “The world is very confused about the meaning of marriage, about the importance of families and, ultimately, the world is very confused about happiness, and joy, and peace. The world is a dangerous place for anyone who is seeking real love. Christ’s love – and his plan for each one of us – is the antidote to that danger.”

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