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.”
